Leeks
Leeks grow best in cool weather (below 77 degrees F.) If temperatures are warmer, growth will be slower. They don't like competition from weeds. A moist, fertile soil will encourage strong growth.
Planting Leeks
Start leeks indoors very early as you would onions and set them out as transplants well before the last frost. Instead of planting in a wide row, set the m in the bottom of a narrow trench 4 to 6 inches deep. Set the plants an inch deeper than they were in their flat. As the plants grow, gradually fill the furrow with soil. In this way, 4 inches or so of stem beneath the soil will be white.
You can keep a bed of leeks growing year after year with a bare minimum of effort. Harvest mild, small leeks each spring and they continue to seed and multiply. The tastiest harvest is in the spring when the plants put on quick, new growth. After the spring harvest, toss a few handfuls of compost around remaining plants. These go to seed in early summer and the bed soon starts adding plants.
Insect Pests
Few pests will bother leeks. Onion thripes may show up, and can be removed by hosing.
Harvesting
Leeks
Leeks are harvested from midsummer through fall. Complete your
harvest before the temperatures dip below 20F. If dirt becomes
trapped between the leaf shafts when harvesting, the leeks will
be very difficult to clean. To avoid this, pull the soil away
from the plant gently.
Recipes
- Asparagus with Leeks and New Potatoes
- Cooking Ideas: Lovable Leeks
