Growing Leek as a Vegetable

Growing Leeks
The leek is a great vegetable for cooler climates, it's easy to grow, useful and very versatile. The white elongated bulb at the base of the leaves, makes a very tasty, fresh vegetable, either on its own or in stews or casseroles. The green leafy tops of leek is excellent for flavouring soups and stews. They are also very nutritious and very rich in vitamin A. The leek is a member of the onion family, but is far easier to grow than the onion. The are able to grow in varied soil conditions, so long as it is not waterlogged.

Most varieties are hardy and can remain in the ground throughout winter weather until needed. You can sow early under glass and have leeks ready for harvesting in the autumn, but it is really during the winter and early spring that they are most appreciated. Other vegetables are scarce at this time and those you can buy in the shops are expensive.

LEEK QUICK GUIDE

Latin Name
Allium ampeloprasum porrum

Type
Hardy Biennial, grown as an annual

Site and Soil
Best on moist light heavily manured soil

Sowing to Harvest Time
Is 30-45 weeks

How Many?
||Yields 10-12 plants per 3 m (10 ft) row

Size
Leaves are up to 30 cms (1 in) long: Bulbs 7.5-15 cm (3-6 in) long and up to 11 cm (4 1/2 in) in diameter.

Where To Grow Your Leeks

Picture of leeks. Click to enlarge. Copyright David Marks

Although the leek vegetable is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, they grow best on a moist, light soil that has been heavily manured from a previous crop. Freshly manured soil is not suitable, because leeks grown in very rich soil will be coarse and tough and with far too much leaf growth. If the soil is in need of organic matter, it is best to dig in well rotted garden compost.

Click picture to enlarge.

In crop rotation, leeks follow lettuce, cabbage or peas, but it is not a good idea to plant them immediately after lifting early potatoes. This is because the soil will be too loose and disturbed and leeks do best on a firm soil.

Choosing the site for sowing leeks may be influenced by the fact that they are generally left in the ground to be dug as required during the winter months, and can remain in the ground for a year or more. Don't grow leeks in the same place year after year as there will be an increased risk of pests and diseases.

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