Leek are a biennial vegetable that is often cultivated throughout winter. Its hardiness makes it easy to maintain; however, it is important to water regularly during dry spells and ensure that they are planted in a sheltered area with good drainage.
Sowing
In January, it is possible to sow some varieties, however, the majority of seeds should be sown in March or April. For each module, multiple seeds should be planted, and later thinned down to one or two plants. These seeds should be planted outdoors in June or July when they are the size of a pencil.
Planting Out
The blanching process (excluding the light) results in the white stem of the leek, meaning that the seedlings should be planted into pre-prepared holes. In order to make the necessary holes, take an existing spade handle and press it firmly into the ground to make a hole of 6 inches in depth. Place the holes at regular intervals of 6-9 inches apart. Once the required number of holes have been created, place the seedlings into the bottom of them and make sure to water them sufficiently. Keep them well watered in dry weather and keep the bed weed free.
Harvesting
You can harvest leeks as soon as they are large enough. For best results, use a trowel to loosen the soil and carefully remove the plant while protecting the root system.
Varieties
Some of our favourite varieties include:
- ‘Krypton’ AGM: It has an upright, compact habit, making it suitable for small plots and other confined growing areas, and offers good protection from diseases.
- ‘Porbella’ AGM: A long season variety with pure white, thick stems and deep green leaves.