Leek

Growing

Leeks grow in the cool weather of early spring or late autumn, so they are a reliable choice for much of the growing season. When starting from seed, begin indoors and transplant into the garden once the soil has warmed. Prepare garden beds with well-draining soil at a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Because leeks develop a thick, fleshy pseudostem, they need consistent, even moisture to prevent the stalks from becoming woody or tough.

As the plants grow, blanch them by mounding soil around the base of the stems. This protects the lower portions from sunlight, resulting in the tender, white stalks prized in cooking. The plant is hardy enough to survive a hard freeze. Harvest leeks when they reach your desired size rather than waiting for a specific maturity signal, as they do not continue to ripen once pulled from the ground.

After harvesting, keep the leeks unwashed to prevent rot during storage. Store them in a cool, dark cellar or the refrigerator. To preserve them for the winter, blanch the stalks before freezing.