Allium porrum
HEIGHT: 40cm.
DISTANCE APART: 20cm
WHEN TO HARVEST: Leeks can be harvested once their stems are at least 2cm thick which could take about 12 weeks or they can be left in to get a little thicker.
HOW MUCH WATER: Water every day unless it rains.
WHERE TO PLANT: Full sun
CAN I GROW THEM IN A POT? Yes. Fill a pot that is 30cm deep with premium potting mix, plant the seedlings and water them well. Make sure that the container gets plenty of sunlight.
CAN I GROW THEM IN A GARDEN BED? Yes, choose a spot that gets 6 hours of sun. Mix lots of compost or animal manure into the soil, plant the seedlings and water well. Spread some mulch such as pea straw or lucerne hay over the soil.
BEST BUDDY PLANTS: Leek is best buddies with cabbage, carrots and celery.
OTHER ‘SMARTY PLANT’ TIPS:
- When you get your seedlings home, let them sit in a shallow tray of water which has had a tablespoon of seaweed solution added for an hour or two. This will get them ready for transplanting.
- After planting, water the seedlings with a very soft hose or a watering can several times a day until they settle in.
- Water every day and apply a liquid fertiliser every two or three weeks.
- Plant another crop of leeks in 6 weeks so that the family always has a good supply.
There’s more information at the Smarty Plants website.