Leeks

General Information:
Leeks are a member of the onion family regarded highly here in the south. They require loose moist weed free rich soil for best results. Leeks grow best in cool weather below 77º F. If temperatures are warmer, growth will be slower. Leeks are a great deal more labor intensive than onions. Leeks must be grown deep in the soil to blanch the edible portion of the plant. I have developed a method to grow outstanding leeks in raised wide beds. Leeks require a long growing season depending on the variety planted, up to 8 months.

Seed starting:
Leeks should be started in late summer about 12 weeks before your average first frost date in your zone. Make sure the seed starting mix is a light sterile soil mix with a moderate portion of Perlite or Vermiculite to maintain moisture. Evenly sprinkle an entire package of seed on the top of pre-moistened growing mix in a 2" deep growing flat with drainage holes. The pan does not have to be very large as this is only the starting container. Lightly cover the top of the seed about ¼" deep with vermiculite or Peat Moss and mist with a water bottle. During the day, keep the seedling  next to a sunny window keeping them moist. After they have germinated, Move to top of the water heater or refrigerator at night if you do not have a greenhouse. A greenhouse will produce ideal, controllable growing conditions. Do not allow the soil to dry out. I feed my newly emerged seedling every other watering cycle. I prefer feeding my young seedlings with Fish Emulsion or liquid seaweed. After they have grown to 6" to 8" tall transplant them into individual 2" x 3" deep growing sells. Plant them as deep as possible. Don't be concerned about the roots as they are almost indestructible. Separate the roots and repot one to a pot. Mix starting mix with 50% garden soil and repot. If weeds appear keep them pulled out of the pots. When they grown to the size of a pencil they are ready for the garden. They require heavy feeding initially. Any balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 will work fine.

Soil Preparation:
For best results incorporate moderate amounts of compost or well rotted manure deeply dug into the soil. Beware of fresh manure as it may contain seeds, & high concentrations of urine & salts. Leeks are deeply rooted but are still very sensitive to moisture fluctuations.  Without adequate moisture the shallow roots  cannot deliver the require nutrients to produce properly. Rake to break up & remove debris from the soil. Work the soil only when it is dry enough not to stick to garden tools. Form a 36" wide bed the length of your choice. Using a garden hoe form 2 deep trenches in the center of the outside 1/3 of each side of the 36" wide beds about 8" deep. Your seedling will be planted at the bottom of this trench.

Planting & Growing:
Transplant your seedlings into the deep trenched described above. As the seedling continue to grow pull the soil from the center of the 36" wide bed filling in the trench containing the seedlings. Continue pulling soil from the center of the bed until there is a 6" deep trench between the seedlings. Do not allow the trench to extend beyond the end of the 36" wide beds. By the time the procedure is completed the roots of the leeks should be about 10" deep. At this point side dress between the rows in the trench at the rate of 1 cup of 13-13-13 per 10 row feet. Repeat the side dressing in 60 days. Cover the entire 36" wide bed including the trench between the rows with leaves or straw mulch. The mulch will retain moisture, attract worms, and reduce the growth of weeds in the beds. Any weeds that do germinate are easily removed by hand or light cultivation. When it is time to water your plants simply apply a moderate amount of water into the trench between the row you formed earlier. Do not apply water to quickly as you may wash out  soil holding the water. The water will slowly soak deeply onto the root zone. Using this method your plants will always have adequate moisture to perform well. It is of great importance that the soil be kept moist and weed free.

Fertilization:
Perform a complete soil analysis to determine fertilization needs. Soil sample kits including sample bag and instructions can be  obtained from your local county  Agricultural extension service office free of charge. However, the fee  for the actual soil analysis is usually about $15.00.

Leeks require rich fertile soil to perform properly. Side dress your seedling with 13-13-13 fertilizer every 2 months. Apply ½ cup per 20 row feet in the trench between the rows.

Care during the growing season:
Leeks require little care during the growing season other than watering and keeping seedlings weed free.

Pests & Diseases:
Few pests will bother leeks. Onion thripes may show up, and can be removed by washing tops.

Recommended verities:

• King Richard leeks, short season

• Leek Leekool, long season

Harvesting:
Leeks can be harvested at almost any stage of development. But, wait until they are about 1½" in diameter.

Storage:
Leeks can be blanched for freezing but are best prepared  fresh. They can also be fried down and frozen for later use.