Soil

What soil is good for Leek?

Rich, moisture retentive soil with plenty of well rotted compost mixed in. 

Position

How much sun does Leek need?

Full to Partial Sun

Frost Tolerant

Is Leek frost tolerant?

Yes

Spacing

How much space does Leek need?

Roughly 20cm apart

Planting

When should I plant Leek?

Usually planted in autumn, leeks prefer cool to warm conditions in the range of 12-25°C

If transplanting seedlings, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

Feeding

What do I feed Leek?

 Apply an organic fertiliser throughout the season.

Harvesting

When can I harvest Leek?

Leeks can be left in the ground until required and harvested throughout autumn, winter and early spring. Leeks are harvested generally when they are roughly 2.5cm in diameter, although they can be eaten at any size.  

Pests

What pests does Leek get?

Generally pest free. May be affected by Thrips, Slugs and Snails.

Diseases

What diseases does Leek get?

Allium White Rot, Onion Downy Mildew, Botrytis Leaf Blight

Notes

Is there anything else I need to know about Leek?

While all parts of the leek are edible, it’s the tender white section that is preferred for cooking. 'Blanching' - is the process of denying the lower part of the stems of sunlight as they grow, this helps to increase the white section and sweeten the flavour. This is achieved by planting seedlings deeply and covering the lower stems with newspaper or a milk carton for around 2- 3 weeks before harvesting. 

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