Leeks
A winter stalwart, leeks are incredibly hardy and can be left in the ground until needed. Their mild, sweet flavour improves after a frost. They require a long growing season but are relatively unfussy.
Leeks seeds
£1.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
February – March (indoors); March – April (outdoors)
Plant out
May – July, once seedlings are pencil-thick
Harvest
September – March
Conditions
Sun
Full sun to partial shade, 5–8 hours a day
Water
Keep consistently moist, especially during dry spells, for best growth
Soil
Deep, fertile, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
15–20cm (6–8 inches) between plants, 30cm (12 inches) between rows
Containers
Possible in very large, deep containers (at least 30cm/12 inches deep), but challenging for good blanching
Indoors
Start seeds indoors in modules or trays for an earlier crop and better establishment
Care and harvest
Feeding
A nitrogen-rich feed can be beneficial mid-season; incorporate well-rotted manure before planting
Pruning
Trim tops of seedlings before planting to about 5cm (2 inches) to encourage root growth
Harvesting
Pull or dig up as needed from autumn through to spring. Use a fork to loosen the soil.
Storage
Can be left in the ground until required, or stored in the fridge for a week once harvested
Good companions: Carrots, Celery, Beetroot