Leek is a delicious and healthy onion vegetable that can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Cultivation in your own garden requires some finesse and patience. With the right care, even beginners can reap good harvests.

Which location does the leek prefer?

Leeks are undemanding. It does well in a sunny location that is somewhat sheltered from the wind.

What does the floor have to be like?

Leek is a heavy feeder and needs a lot of nutrients. The soil is dug deep and improved with compost or manure. If the soil is too heavy, mix in some sand.

Are leeks preferred or sown outdoors?

Spring leek is sown in the greenhouse from January and later planted outdoors. Winter leek is 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 centimetres. They are planted as deep as possible in the ground so that long white shafts develop.

Which row and plant spacing should be observed?

The distance between the rows should be at least 30 centimeters. The optimal planting distance in the row is 10 centimetres.

How are leeks watered?

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.

Do leeks have 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 leek is harvested from August/September. Winter leeks can remain in the bed until December. As soon as inflorescences grow, leeks are inedible.

Are leeks suitable as a mixed culture?

Leeks harmonize wonderfully with carrots, lettuce or cucumbers.

Which plants are leeks not compatible with?

Other bulbous plants and beets should never be planted in the same bed as leeks.

Which pests and diseases can occur?

When growing leeks, various diseases and pests can occur that cause the leeks to become inedible. This includes:

  • leek rust
  • Wrong mildew
  • yellow stripe virus
  • Leek Moth and Leek Leafminer
  • thrips

Nets over the beds and regular checks keep the damage within limits. The best preventive measures are a suitable location, a good supply of water and sufficient nutrients.

Can leeks be propagated?

After a while, leeks will produce inflorescences. The leeks can then no longer be used. Leave the inflorescences on the plant to harvest seeds. If they are cut off, the plant forms small bulbs that can be transplanted into the bed.

tips and tricks

Sow autumn leeks in July on already harvested beds with a good supply of nutrients. Hardy leek varieties ensure fresh leeks from your own garden even in frosty weather.

Category:

Vegetable garden