How to Plant Leeks

Leeks are simple to grow in the home garden.

Although a member of the onion family, leeks look very little like their bulb cousin. Leeks differ in that they do not grow a bulb and the entire white portion of the stalk is edible. Leeks are grown during two seasons. The first, or summer leeks, are harvested during the same season they are grown. The second is leeks planted in the fall and over-wintered to be harvested the following spring. Both are planted the same way.

Things You'll Need

• Tiller Leek transplants Garden hoe

Instructions

1. Till the soil in the garden to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.

2. Use the handle end of a garden hole to make holes in the tilled soil 2 to 6 inches apart.

3. Remove the leek transplants from their existing containers.

4. Plant one leek transplant per hole, covering completely with soil.

5. Water the leeks into the garden by applying water until the soil no longer drains after one minute.

6. Use the hoe to pull soil up around the growing leeks, at least once a week, to ensure proper blanching of the leek stalk.

Tips & Warnings

• Leek seed can be directly planted into the soil if you have a long growing season. Space the seed several inches apart in a 1-inch furrow. Pull soil from the surrounding area around the leeks as they grow. For areas with shorter growing seasons, start leek seeds indoors seven to eight weeks before the last frost date.

References

• University of Maryland Extension: Leeks
• University of Minnesota Extension: Leeks