How to Grow Leeks
Instruction & Advice for Growing Leek Plants
in Your Vegetable Garden
| Nutrition | Watering Instructions | Harvesting |
| Climate | Fertilizing Instructions | Storage |
| Soil | Challenges | Tips |
| Planting |
Leeks are members of the onion family. They look a bit like an overgrown scallion. The delicate flavor of this vegetable is commonly used in soups and gourmet specialty dishes.
Gardening leeks is fairly easy and it is a very hardy plant. Thus, this vegetable is commonly recommended for those gardening in cold climates.
Nutrition Information: (back to top)
Leeks provide a good source of Vitamin C
Climate & Growing Conditions: (back to top)
Growing leeks is most productive in moderate to cool temperatures (below 80 degrees). They will grow in warmer gardening climates, but the hotter temperatures will cause them to grow more slowly.
Leeks grow best in garden beds that get an abundance of sunshine.
Gardening Advice Tip: Mulch is a good idea for this plant, as it will help regulate the ground temperature for the roots and keep them cooler.
How to Prepare the Garden Soil: (back to top)
Prepare the garden bed a few weeks ahead of time by digging in well-rotted manure, compost and/or a nitrogen rich fertilizer. The soil pH should be between 6 and 7.0. (Instructions: How to test your garden soil pH level.)
Raised garden beds work well for the plant, as they more easily allow hilling as the vegetable grows.
How to Plant Leeks: (back to top)
If you're in a climate where the winters are mild (the ground doesn't freeze), you can plant your leek seed directly into the garden during late summer.
In other climates, start your seeds indoors in trays.
Transplant your leeks when the seedlings are as thick around as a pencil (they should be around 10" tall or so). Dig rows 8" deep and 4" apart, spacing the seedlings 4" apart. Hill dry soil around the stem. As the leek grows, hill more soil around the stem. Some people use collars made from newspaper to protect the stem from soil (keep it cleaner).
How to Water: (back to top)
Keep the garden soil lightly moist (but not soggy) with regular waterings.
How to Fertilize: (back to top)
Applying monthly doses of fertilizer to the ground around your plants can help provide a more hearty crop. (Personally, my favorite overall garden fertilizer is "tea" made from compost or manure. It's organic and can safely be used on nearly all vegetable, fruit, and other garden plants.)
Gardening Challenges: (back to top)
Leeks experience very few problems.
Gardening Advice Tip: Practice good vegetable gardening by rotating your crops within your garden space with each new season. This will prevent many plant diseases.
How to Harvest Leeks: (back to top)
Remove the top half of leaves in midsummer. (Don't cut away any more than 1/2 the leaves though, as that can actually damage the plant.) This process encourages the plant to put it's growing efforts into the root, rather than the leaves.
It takes a long time (up to 5 months) for this vegetable to produce large stems, but they can be harvested when they're smaller/younger. Leeks are more tender and sweeter the younger they are. (Many prefer the taste of leeks that have been harvested before reaching full maturity.)
To harvest, simply pull the full plant from the ground. Harvest only as you need them, but remove from the ground before the first frost of Fall arrives.
Storage: How to Freeze Leeks (back to top)
Remove tough outer leaves, then wash leeks under cold water. Trim the leaves to the length you like. Slice (legthwise or widthwise). Blanch leeks for 2 minutes and chill in iced water for 2 minutes. Freeze on trays in single layers for 30 minutes. Pack leeks in freezer bags, remove excess air, seal and label. Freeze leeks for up to 6 months.
Storage: How to Dehydrate / Dry Leeks (back to top)
Remove the tough top and outer leaves. Wash in cold water. Cut stalks in half lengthwise. Slice crossways into ¼” slices and separate. Dry at 100 degrees (F) for 18 hours or until crisp. To rehydrate, soak in hot water for 30 minutes and drain. No need to rehydrate if using in soups or stews.
Gardening Advice Tips (back to top)
Have a helpful gardening tip (or even a fun story) to share about your leek growing experience? Share it with us at: gardeningtips@howtogardenadvice.com
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