Leeks

Leeks, those elegant, onion-like vegetables, are a fantastic addition to any garden. Not only are they incredibly versatile in the kitchen, but they're also surprisingly easy to grow! So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, let's dive into the world of growing leeks.

Leeks: The Low-Maintenance Garden Hero

TL;DR: Leeks are super hardy, easy to grow, and can provide you with a harvest from late summer right through to late spring. Start seeds indoors in late winter, plant them out in early summer in a sunny spot with well-prepared soil, and you'll be enjoying delicious leeks for months. Don't forget to blanch them for those coveted long white stems!

Getting Started with Leeks

Leeks are members of the onion family and are generally grown from seed. The best time to sow your leek seeds is in February or March. You'll want to start them indoors in small pots or trays of seed compost, spacing the seeds about 2cm apart. A little cover of compost or vermiculite, a gentle watering, and a cozy spot with some warmth (10-15°C) will get them going. A propagator or a clear plastic bag can help with this.

In a couple of weeks, you should see little seedlings appear. Once they have a few true leaves, prick them out and space them a little further apart (around 5cm) in a tray of seed compost. Before planting them outside, make sure to "harden them off" by gradually exposing them to the outdoor elements.

Planting Your Leeks

Late May or early June is a great time to plant leeks outdoors. Choose a sunny spot, and make sure the soil is well-prepared with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. This is where the magic happens - to get those lovely long white shanks, you need to blanch your leeks. This can be done by either earthing up the soil around the stems as they grow, wrapping the stems with cardboard tubes, or planting them in a deep hole, where the soil will naturally blanch them. Space your seedlings about 15cm apart, pop them into a hole made with a dibber or trowel, and water them in well.

Caring for Your Leeks

Leek care is pretty straightforward. Keep them watered regularly, especially during dry spells, and weed around them to prevent any competition. You won't need to feed them a lot, but a general-purpose feed when planting can help them get established.

Pests and Diseases

Generally, garden leeks are pretty problem-free, but keep an eye out for leek moth, which can tunnel into the stems.

Harvesting Your Leeks

The great thing about leeks is that you can harvest them from late summer through to late spring! They are super hardy, so you can dig them up as you need them. Just use a fork to loosen the soil and lift them out. You can store them in the fridge or a cool shed for a few weeks, or leave them in the ground to continue harvesting.

Leek Varieties

There are three main types of leek varieties: summer, autumn, and winter, so you can have a continuous harvest! For winter crops, 'Musselburgh' is a reliable all-rounder, 'Autumn Giant' is an early winter variety, and 'Blue Solaise' is a hardy, late leek with lovely blue-green foliage.

Cooking with Leeks

And finally, don’t forget about the versatility of leeks in the kitchen! They can be boiled, steamed, braised, fried, or used in delicious soups and stews. Get creative and enjoy your home-grown produce! Leek recipes are endless!

Happy leek cultivation!