Leek is a delicious and he althy onion vegetable that can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Growing it in your own garden requires a bit of sensitivity and patience. With the right care, even beginners can achieve good harvests.
How should you plant leeks correctly?
To plant leeks successfully, they should be sown in nutrient-rich soil in a sunny, wind-protected location. Depending on the variety, pre-cultivation in a greenhouse or direct sowing outdoors is possible. Make sure there is sufficient watering and monthly fertilization.
Which location does leek prefer?
Leeks are undemanding. It feels comfortable in a sunny, somewhat sheltered location.
What does the soil have to be like?
Leek is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of nutrients. The soil is dug deeply and improved with compost or manure. If the soil is too heavy, mix in some sand.
Is leek grown early or sown outdoors?
Summer leeks are sown in the greenhouse from January and later planted outdoors. Winter leeks are sown directly outdoors in July. For an early harvest, you can sow leeks under glass from June.
Do leeks need to be transplanted?
Yes, leeks are transplanted as soon as the plants have reached a height of 15 centimeters. They are inserted as deep as possible into the ground so that long white shafts develop.
What row and plant spacing must be maintained?
The distance between rows should be at least 30 centimeters. The optimal planting distance in the row is 10 centimeters.
How to water leeks?
Leeks need a lot of water. However, waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. Water in the morning and evening so that the soil is well moistened.
Does leeks need to be fertilized?
As a heavy feeder, leeks need additional fertilization every month. Nettle manure or a nitrogen fertilizer for vegetables are well suited.
When are leeks harvested?
You can harvest leeks five to six months after sowing. Summer leeks are harvested from August/September. Winter leeks can remain in the bed until December. As soon as inflorescences grow, leeks are inedible.
Is leek suitable as a mixed crop?
Leek goes wonderfully with carrots, lettuce or cucumbers.
Which plants do leeks not get along with?
Other onion plants and beetroot should never be planted on the same bed as leeks.
What pests and diseases can occur?
When growing leeks, various diseases and pests can occur that cause the leeks to become inedible. These include:
- Leek rust
- Downy mildew
- Yellow stripe virus
- Leek moth and leek leaf miner fly
- Thrips
Nets over the beds and regular checks keep the damage limited. The best preventative measures are a suitable location, a good supply of water and sufficient nutrients.
Can leeks be propagated?
Leeks sprout flowers after a while. The leek sticks can then no longer be used. Leave the flower heads on the plant to harvest seeds. If they are cut off, the plant forms small bulbs that can be transplanted into the bed.
Tips & Tricks
Sow autumn leeks in July on already harvested beds with a good supply of nutrients. Hardy leek varieties ensure fresh leek vegetables from your own garden even in frost.
