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Growing Leek

The leek belongs to the plant family Allium ampeloprasum, the broadleaf wild leek. The edible part of the plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths that is sometimes erroneously called a stem or stalk. The genus Allium also contains the onion, garlic, shallot, scallion, chive, and Chinese onion, but has about the same properties as garlic but to a lesser degree. It stimulates the appetite and helps to relieve congestion in the respitory passage. Crushed leaves can also be used for insect bites. They are particularly high in Fiber, Folate, Iron, Manganese, Vitamins A, B-6, C and Vitamin K.

How Much Space Do Leek Plants Need?

These cousins of onion are cold-hardy, easy to grow, they are delicious and combine great with other foods . Plant leeks during the cool weather of early spring and fall. They grow well in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space leeks 6 inches apart in an area that gets 6 or more hours of sun daily and has nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Unlike onions, leeks don't produce bulbs but stash their flavor in thick, juicy stems that look similar to giant scallions. Leafy stems are pretty, and growing leeks doesn't require much room in the garden.

What Type Soil Does Leek Like

Plant leeks in a sunny spot in soil that is fertile and well-drained. Leeks thrive in traditional garden beds, raised beds, or even in tall containers, so choose whatever works best for you. Space leeks 6 inches apart when planting. Leek needs lots of nitrogen and consistent soil moisture. If possible, add compost to the leek bed the season prior to planting. To improve the soil if you haven't thought that far ahead, mix in a few inches of Shives Grow Garden Veganic booster dry mix with your native soil. Or, if planting in raised beds or containers, be sure to fill them with the right type of soil for that growing environment, and make sure that you have proper drainage.

Planting Instructions

Plant leeks during the cool weather of early spring and fall. They grow well in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space leeks 6 inches apart in an area that gets 6 or more hours of sun daily and has nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Improve soil, whether in pots or outside by mixing in several inches of compost or other rich organic matter. Leeks aren't fussy, but they do require moist soil, so check soil moisture often and use a hose if necessary. One week after planting, begin regularly feeding with a water-soluble plant food. Harvest leeks at any time once they are large enough to eat.

Nutrients

Normal- Leeks require a lot of nitrogen. Give plants a supplemental feeding of fertilizers about 2-3 weeks after planting. If you are growing outside, continue to fertilize every 3-4 weeks thereafter. If you you are planting in pots or on your balcony, use a dry mixture of compost Perlite, and coco make sure to feed your plants Nitrogen rich nutrients.

Vegan- For best results if growing in small to medium size containers, be sure to incorporated before planting our Callemo Powder to help support the plants Calcium and Magnesium needs. Then our VeGrow Quick Start to get the root system started and then use our VeGrow Supreme Plus once a week for the duration of the plants life cycle.

What can I plant next to leeks?

The onion is also a growth stimulant and Strawberries seem to enjoy living next to leeks. The strong odor of the leeks also repels many pests that would harm the berries. Other leek plant companions might be cabbage, tomatoes, beets and lettuce. The leafy vegetables, especially, seem to benefit from the strong scent of plants in the Allium family.

Harvest Time

Most leeks mature 100 to 120 days after sowing the seeds, but a few varieties mature in as few as 60 days. Begin the harvest when the stalks are about an inch (2.5 cm.) across. Depending upon your climate, you could be harvesting leek plants from late summer until early spring.