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Growing leeks
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A leek going to seed
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These unique vegetables belong to the allium family and are relatives
to the humble onion. Leeks are culinary vegetables you normally associate
with winter soups. That was why we first planted leek seedlings. At the
time we were gardening in containers and they grew remarkably well. Later
this year we'll give them another go. Hopefully they'll grow better in
our raised vegetable garden beds.
Growing conditions
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Leeks are normally grown in the cooler months of the year.
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They prefer full sun and a lightly limed soil.
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In a 4 bed rotation system leeks are
grown with carrots, onions, garlic, parsnips and other root crops.
Garden care
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Seeds are sown into seed raising mix.
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The seedlings are transferred into the beds when they're around 15cm
(6 inches) tall.
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Using a garden stake (or something similar in diameter) make 15cm
deep holes placing the seedling into these holes. Don't fill the hole
with soil.
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Instead just water your seedlings normally. This fills the hole with
just the right amount of soil around the stem and roots.
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Hill up the soil as the leeks mature. This keeps their shanks blanched
white under the soil's dark depths.
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We haven't had any pest or disease problems with our leeks (so far).
Harvest time
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Leeks, like all vegetables from the allium (onion) family take a
long time to grow, usually 4-6 months.
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Some gardeners believe they can get sweeter leeks by harvesting them
earlier or after a couple of frosts.
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Leeks are harvested by being completely pulled from the ground.
Last Updated
17 November, 2008
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