Leek

Leeks prefer rich, well-drained soil at pH 6.0-7.0 with plenty of finished compost. They benefit from nitrogen side-dressings during active growth and steady moisture, with gradual hilling to lengthen the tender white shank.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

6 in

First harvest

100–150 days

Tips

• Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before planting out, then transplant pencil-thick seedlings 4-6 inches apart in shallow trenches.
• Water deeply to provide about 1 inch weekly and mulch to suppress weeds.
• Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer during early growth, keeping fertilizer away from the stems.
• Gradually draw soil around the shanks without filling the central leaf opening, and inspect for onion thrips or allium leafminer where present.
• Loosen soil with a fork and lift leeks when shanks reach the thickness you want, before flowering.