Leeks

Leeks are a very undemanding vegetable to grow. They will withstand the hardest winter.

Like all bulb vegetables they need a well-drained soil, rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5.

If being used for showing they can be multiple sown in pots or cell trays in a greenhouse or propagator in January or February. Normally they are sown in seed drills in the open in April or May.

Transplant the seedlings to their permanent bed when they are about 8" high. To transplant them, make holes with a dibber 6" apart and about 5" -6" deep. Allow 12" between the rows. Trim the roots and tops of the seedling by about 1/3 and drop it into one of the holes. To bed in the roots, fill the hole full of water ensuring that you do not wash the sides of the hole in. Do not fill with any soil.

Little maintenance is needed other than hoeing to keep free of weeds.

The plants can be lifted as required during the winter months. If there is a danger of very cold weather where the ground will be frozen solid, lift a few plants and place in a box of damp peat in a shed or greenhouse until required for use.

Leeks are generally pest and disease free but on occasions can be affected by neck rot, white rot and rust. (See relevant Pests or Diseases sections)