How to Transplant Wild Leeks

Overview

Wild leeks, also known as ramps, are a relative of onions and garlic. This strong-smelling plant is well known and loved in the Appalachian region from Nova Scotia to Georgia, and it also grows in Ohio and as far northwest as Minnesota. Country cooks in Appalachia often add ramps to fried potatoes, potato salad, beans, and even barbecued chicken, and many Appalachian communities have annual ramp festivals. While people have traditionally gone into the woods to harvest ramps, more and more home gardeners are growing ramps in their own backyards. The fastest way to grow ramps at home is to transplant bulbs or leafed-out plants into your garden.

Step 1

Purchase or dig up ramp bulbs. If you dig ramp bulbs, be very careful not to damage the bulbs or the roots.

Step 2

Loosen the soil where you will transplant the bulbs.

Step 3

Add composted leaves or other plant material if your soil does not already contain it, and rake it into the soil. Rake the soil smooth.

Step 4

Plant the bulbs about 3 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Let just the tip of the bulb stay above the surface of the soil, and make sure that all of the roots are buried.

Step 5

Mulch with hardwood leaves.