The Timing of Growing Leeks

Growing leeks is all about timing. If you start leeks from seed, it will take a few months for them to reach pencil thickness which is when you should plant them out. Buying seedlings is also an option. Once in the ground, leeks need another 3-4 months to grow, depending on the time of year. Leeks grow best when they are planted into the ground in late Spring, allowed to grow through the warmer months and into Autumn, and then harvested over Winter. However, they can be grown all year round in many places. Just bear in mind that any leeks planted in Summer or Autumn will bolt to seed in September if they haven't been harvested by then. 

How to Grow Leeks

Leeks, like other alliums, hate competition from weeds, so it is important to keep them weed-free. They need full sun, regular watering and nutrient-rich soil. Make sure you plant them in a spot where they can grow uninterrupted as they may be in the ground for up to 6 months. Otherwise leeks are easy to grow and get relatively few pests and diseases as long as they are not under stress. 

Still to come

Next time I will talk about growing sweet potatoes. 

This week's recipe links

Pumpkin Parfait form The Mediterranean Dish. 

Mushroom & Spinach Risotto from BBC Good Food. 

Honey-Cinnamon Pumpkin Lentil Salad from Recipe Tin Eats. 

Kale and Coconut Fried Rice from Cookie & Kate. 

More info

To read more about what's happening on our local organic farm this week as we grow and care for veggies for our box delivery, check out this week's newsletter here.