Leeks are part of the delicate and delicious onion family, which are great for soups and quiche (a type of French baked pie) or simply sautéing. They can grow well in all climates, though require extra care if planted in areas with low rainfall. See step 1 onwards to learn how to grow and harvest leeks.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Starting a Nursery
Step 1. Decide whether you want to plant in fall or spring
If you live in a mild climate (growth zone 7 or warmer), then you can plant leeks in the fall and harvest them in the spring, then plant them again in late spring and harvest them in the fall. Leeks planted late in the year will overwinter and grow in the spring. If you live in a climate with harsh winters, leeks should be planted in the earliest spring, as soon as the soil can be planted.
Different varieties of leeks should be planted at different times. Check with the experts at your local seed hall to find out which leek varieties are best suited to the climate in your area
Step 2. Start your nursery
Fill the nursery container with a nursery mix (not potting soil) and plant the seeds about 6 weeks before the last frost of winter. The best temperature for leek seeds to germinate is around 25 °C, so place the seeds in a warm, sunny room. If you start your nursery in the fall, you can place it outdoors in a sunny spot. Keep the growing media mixture moist.
- If you want, you can plant the seeds right away instead of sowing them in containers. Prepare the planting area with lots of compost. Plant the seeds as deep as 1.3 cm with a spacing of several centimeters.
- The seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they are at least 15.2 cm tall.
Step 3. Prepare a planting site for the transplanted seedlings
Prepare permanent land for your seedlings. Choose a place that gets sunlight and the soil has good drainage. Put compost into the soil to a depth of at least 20.3 cm. Make a trench 15.2 cm deep. The leeks should be planted deep in the soil so that the base of the stem still gets sunlight and becomes "pale." The blanching part is the white part of the leek, soft and edible.
Method 2 of 3: Growing Spring Onions
Step 1. Transfer the leeks
Plant leek seeds at least 15.2 cm deep and 15.2 cm apart. Pat the soil around the base of the plant so that the soil covers the roots and reaches the part of the plant where the leaves are split. The process of creating a mound in this way is called "hilling."
In addition to using the hilling method, you can support leek white stems by placing a cardboard tube in each plant, so that the tube is embedded around the base of the plant. This has two advantages: it protects the plant from the sun and protects the leek from coming into contact with the soil
Step 2. Cover the base of the leek
Leeks have shallow roots, and must be protected to keep them moist. Water the base of the leek plant thoroughly after planting, then cover the base with straw to protect it throughout the growing season.
Step 3. Keep the soil moist
Water the leeks regularly to keep them growing healthy and strong. Don't let the soil dry out. Leeks should be given a good soak at least twice a week, and more often if you live in a dry place with little rainfall.
Step 4. Make a regular pile of soil
Around the middle of the growing season, backfill the soil around the base of the leeks again, so that the soil reaches where the leaves split. The higher the pile, the larger the edible white part of the leek will be. However, making the pile too high can cause the leeks to rot.
Step 5. Clean the base of the leek from weeds
Since leeks have shallow roots, you'll need to clear weeds frequently so your plants don't have to compete for nutrients. Clean the base of the leek from weeds throughout the growing season.
Method 3 of 3: Harvesting Spring Onions
Step 1. Harvest the leeks when the stems are 2.5 cm in diameter
Leeks are usually ready to eat when the stems are about 2.5 cm thick. However, if you like the taste of young leeks, you can harvest them any time. Young leeks are less flavorful but more tender, and can be eaten like leeks.
You can leave the leeks in the ground until they are large enough if you don't want to harvest them all. Plan to harvest all your leeks before the ground freezes in the fall
Step 2. Dig around the base of the plant and pull out the leeks
Keep the roots intact when you harvest leeks. Use a shovel to dig around the base of the leek, then gently pull the leaves to lift them off the ground.
Step 3. Wash the stems
Leeks should be cleaned well to remove soil from the stems. Remove all dirt using a scrub brush.
Step 4. Save your leeks
Leeks can be stored in the refrigerator if you plan to use them within a week. Wash and dry the leeks and place them in a plastic bag or your vegetable rack. When you're ready to cook it, remove the green roots and leaves, and use the white stems for your recipe.
- For long-term storage, keep the roots attached to the leeks and trim the green leaves until only 1 inch (2.5 cm) remains. Store your leeks upside down in a wooden box, and rest them on the sawdust. Place the box in a cool place for up to 8 weeks.
- You can also freeze leeks. Remove the roots and leaves and boil the white stems. Place the boiled white stalks in a freezer bag and store for a few months.
