Tending Leeks
June 23rd, 2010 · 3 Comments · Posted in garden
Leeks, standing straight and tall
This is my first year planting leeks so I do not claim to be an expert. But I am liking the way our leeks look heading into the summer.
These were planted March 8 from seed at the bottom of a long trench I dug out of one of our vegetable beds. Yesterday I spent some time weeding, thinning, and transplanting some of the leeks to an area that had been planted with carrots last fall, now removed. So I effectively added to my trench.
I had kept the soil that was removed from the trench in a trash can, intending to use it to mound around the leeks as they grow older. That’s how they aquire the delicate and delicious white stem for which they are renowned. But it was so much easier using the compost from the potato hill we built. It’s only a few feet from the leeks, and since we started harvesting the potatoes, the compost is available.
I wouldn’t call this ideal weather for transplanting, not with temperatures in the 90s and the sun beating down all day. But I gave the leeks I uprooted and moved a nice cover of compost and watered them in. That was yesterday. Today they look no worse for wear.
I do believe this could become a habit, growing leeks. They are expensive at the store, so growing your own represents a real savings.
They look really good Ed. Better than mine which languished untransplanted in their starter flats for way too long. Next year, I need to start them directly outside, like you and El.
If you make sure to get a winter hardy cultivar, you can harvest throughout the winter and into the very early spring. They are so versatile in the kitchen and beautiful in the winter garden. You’ll enjoy them
Hey Ed, I’m growing leeks this year instead of onions since they’re dry-weather hardy (not to mention cold hardy). I usually let some leeks go to seed, self-seed, then transplant the babies in the spring to another location (crop rotation and all). Not sure how well that would work in your neck o’ the woods. Also, we use leeks in place of onions in all recipes except, maybe fried onion rings.
I did an experiment with leeks I planted Spring 2009 and left some to overwinter and go to seed. After collecting the seed from the leeks, I noticed the now spindly looking leeks are producing baby leeks from the roots. I am thrilled to see my leek colony pushing up through the soil. I was told a permanent bed of leeks was possible and had to try it myself.