Leeks are one of those things the average gardener doesn’t take the time to grow, but seriously, they are a delicious addition to a stir-fry. Leeks are a relative to the onion, but they do not produce an edible bulb. They are much, much milder tasting–so I think they are a little more kid friendly. In case I haven’t sold you on the meager leek, let me throw these awesome tidbits out: leeks are low in calories, are packed with anti-oxiants, they are a great source of folic acid, and vitamin A. Basically, you’re doing yourself a big fat favor by integrating them into your life.
How to Grow Leeks:
Here’s the deal, it really is a bit easier to buy leek starts from your local nursery. Leeks, like onions, can be a little trickier and more time consuming to start from seeds {time consuming, mostly}. It is IMMENSELY gratifying to start them from seed, though, so if you have the time, space, and energy go for it. Leeks prefer well-drained soil, so make sure to mix a little perlite into the soil if drainage is an issue. If you are starting them from seed, you’ll want to start them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Once you get the plants established, they are super hardy little buggers. Plant 4 or so seeds about 1/2″ deep. Thin to one plant per pot when plants are about 1″ tall. When you transplant them outside, plan on a 12″ row spacing.
When are Leeks Ready to Harvest?
Leeks are ready when the stem is about 1″ in diameter. 1″ diameter seems to yield the best overall flavor. To harvest them, just loosen the soil around the base of the plant, and lift them out of the ground.
Which Leek Varieties to grow?
My Favorite Recipe with Leeks:
My favorite recipe is actually from Mama’s Minutia, and it is DELISH. It’s called Giant Sausage and Leek Quiche–I think pretty much any recipe that leads with “giant” is the start of something wonderful.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest Region and are unsure what seeds you should be starting right now, or when your transplants should be set out in the garden, this regional planting guide should help you out.
Don’t live in the Pacific Northwest? Find your regional planting guide HERE.
Bellen says
First off, I’m retired and only go out to shop, run errands, etc once a week so my wardrobe needs are few.
I have 7 pairs of pants, 4 long & 3 mid-calf either black or navy; 7 white t-shirts, 3 t-shirts of color: purple, loden green and blue/black/white stripe; 7 button front long sleeved shirts to wear as an overshirt (mainly for sun protection here in FL) 1 beige, 2 light denim blue, 1 pink/white stripe, 1 pale blue, 1 blue multi stripe, 1 light loden green; 1 pair brown sandals, 1 pair black sandals, 1 pair white walkers; 1 brown purse, 1 dressier black purse; 7 baseball caps in white, black, navy, green, purple, pink, beige and red, 1 lightweight black hoodie, 1 lavender jacket. For my walking outdoors I have a pair of long navy pants and a hot pink jacket. I also have 4 long sleeved t-shirts in pink, light blue, beige & teal for those cold days (40-50s) we have here in Jan & Feb. I have enough underwear to last 8 days, socks also. This works for me because I always have something to wear that goes together, I only need to do laundry once a week, my closet stays very organized, and frankly, the cost of replacement pieces is not very expensive. If I were working, I’d still have the same kind of wardrobe but a little dressier with maybe a couple of blazers/suit jackets & skirts, and blouses instead of t-shirts. Simplicity is key if you want a live a rich, full life because simplicity will free up lots of time to do what you really want to be doing.
Bellen says
Oops – wrong article response!
Mavis Butterfield says
I agree. It simplicity frees up a lot of time. 🙂
Katrina says
It was my first time growing leeks I had bought at the nursery and those little containers have hundreds in them! I had leeks planted in three or four different areas of the garden. I harvested them all before the ground froze so I just put them in the frig to use later. They are still in the frig and I’m not sure if they are edible anymore. Can you freeze leeks?
Dottie says
I freeze them sliced up to add to soups later, I think they lose a little texture after freezing. I’ve had some not so fresh ones from Winco, even if its not super firm anymore they still cook up fine. I think they’re edible as long as its not brown or mushy.
Mavis Butterfield says
I agree, they end up fine in the end if you freeze them and use them in soups.
Cecily says
Another awesome benefit to growing leeks is that they are super sustainable. Just leave a few leeks in the ground to grow the following year. They will produce seed from the flower and little bulblets around the base of the plant (the mother leek becomes inedible at this point). Plant the bulblets just as you would starts.
Anna says
I agree with having less clothing! I recently moved from a large home with a super-sized walk-in wardrobe to a much smaller house with only built-ins. After weeping and wailing, and being as grown-up and reasonable as say Paris Hilton about the whole situation, I gave away all the clothes I didn’t wear often and kept only what fitted and I liked. So now I have a super organized wardrobe that looks great and every item is something I love.
I have denim jeans and shorts, linen pants in black white and pale blue. I have tops and tees in white, black, blue and only solid colors or either spots or stripes. Add to that pashminas of gray, pink, black and soft lavender. Coats are a heavy winter one in black, a mid weight one in goldy-beige and a white linen summer one. Exercise clothing is all black with a bit of pink. I have enough clothes, and everything works together. My mind feels less weighed down with choice, and you know what? It took necessity to bring about a change that has changed the way I think about what I need.
I did the same for my partner when we moved in together…pretty much restocked the thrift shop and he is non the wiser! 🙂
Lizzie says
Here is a tip I got from the clever oldies at my community garden. If you dig down to the root and cut off the leek just above the root ball and cover it will grow back so no need to pull it all out 🙂
Lisa Millar says
I’ll give that a go too with what leek I have left in the garden!
Lisa Millar says
My leeks went to seed as I left the country for a while when they were at their best! I am keen to try to collect and regrow from seed now – haven’t done that with leek before! Thanx for the info!