Leeks are the onion's elegant, more subtle cousin and when prepared correctly, can be absolutely delicious! Because they have a subtler flavor than onions, leeks are a great accompaniment to any dish and will please everyone! They don't require much room in the garden, and they also prefer a cooler climate. Today we'll show you how to grow leeks in your garden with our step-by-step gardening guide so you can enjoy leeks all season long!
How to Grow Leeks in the Garden
Planting Leeks:
- Plant leeks in a sunny spot with well drained soil.
- You can choose to plant leeks in raised beds, pots, or containers.
- Space each leek plant about 6 inches apart.
- Prior to planting, prep the soil by adding a nitrogen rich fertilizer.
- Water the soil well and keep it moist at all times.
- In order for leeks to produce a white, succulent stem, they must be protected from the sun. To do this, plant in deep holes.
- Create a narrow trench that's 6-8 inches deep, then tuck the seedlings into the trench, adding the soil back so that it comes up to the base of the first leaf. Water well.
- Mulch heavily to retain moisture
Caring for Leek Plants:
- While growing, water leek plants regularly, keeping the soil moist at all times.
- After growth, water about 1 inch per week.
- As leeks grow, mound the soil from the trench around the stems.
Harvesting Leeks:
- Leeks mature after 100-120 days after being planted.
- Harvest once stalks are about an inch across.
- You can harvest your leeks in the winter or spring.
Happy Planting!
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