Leeks

Planting leeks

Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost or sow outside in early spring. Transplant seedlings into a shallow trench to start the blanching process.

Planting details

• Spacing: about 6 inches
• Hill soil or mulch around the stems as they grow for longer white shanks
• Seed depth: about 1/2 inch

Growing requirements

Leeks need a long, cool, unhurried season and fertile soil. Unlike most crops there is no rush to harvest; they stand in the garden through fall and into winter.

Harvesting and care

Pull leeks as needed all fall, and mound mulch around them to keep harvesting into winter where the ground stays workable. Deeper hilling through the season means more usable white stem.

Common mistakes

• Skipping the trench and hilling, which gives mostly green tops
• Rushing the harvest, since leeks keep improving in the ground
• Letting dry soil work into the leaf bases, which traps grit inside

Companion plants

Carrots, celery, and beets grow well near leeks. Keep them away from beans and peas, which dislike the allium family.