Leeks are very tolerant plants and are much easier to grow than onions, a member of the same family. You may choose to grow these plants on in pots, alternatively you can place them in rows in the garden. These great plants can be grown in the vegetable garden or in any extra space you have available in ornamental beds and borders. 

As leeks are a relatively slow growing crop, plant them in an area that can be left alone until harvesting. Leeks do not appreciate root disturbance and you should bare this in mind. Allow plants access to adequate light. 

Leeks should be planted in soil that has been manured in advance of planting. A light, loamy soil that is firm under foot is ideal. If you have not prepared such a space you can add well rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost to soil. 

After planting, water young plants regularly to ensure they establish well.  In the growing season you can fertilize plants with a well balanced fertilizer and you should ensure weeds are kept to a minimum with the regular use of a dutch hoe. Hoeing in between rows will remove weeds growing in these spaces which would otherwise compete with the leeks for water, light and nutrients inhibiting optimum growth. 

As an annual and hardy crop, you can harvest plants from Autumn to the following Spring. Lift plants with a fork as opposed to pulling plants and harvest the largest plants first, allowing smaller plants to develop further.

Top Tip

Blanching leeks increases the amount of white edible tissue on the lower part of the leek.  From August onwards you can blanch leeks by placing a collar around the lower part of leek below the leaves. Strong card or plastic pipe is fine, and as the season progresses you can increase the height of collars.