It’s hard to get into the cool-season spirit during the peak of summer, but certain things are worth the mental shift, such as booking a family ski holiday or propagating seeds. From the allium family – which includes onion and garlic – leek is a slow-burn, easy-to-grow vegetable that we have on our minds when the weather is hot.
Patient gardeners are best suited to growing leek, as these veggies have a lifespan of up to 9 months in the veggie patch. However, from around the second month, they’re also well suited to forgetful, lazy, oblivious gardeners. After they are set, they can be ‘put to sleep’ in the patch. For those familiar with horse racing, leek sits three back on the inside rail collecting cover and a nice trail from the leader. Come the final straight, about 3–6 months later, leek pull out and steamroll home.
Hardy, tough and relatively pest-free, leek store well in-ground and will happily stay in the patch until you find the perfect quiche recipe. Everyone who grows leek will be a winner.
PLANTING
Propagate in seed trays and transplant a month after germination or sow directly to veggie patch when the temperature is above 7 degrees as they can become stunted by frost.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter.
In Pots: Water daily while establishing and for the entirety of the warm season, otherwise every second day – after they are 4 weeks old – if growing during the cooler times of the year.
MAINTENANCE
Prepare soil with compost but don’t over-fertilise, as this will make them susceptible to frost damage. Transplant into the patch at the required spacing.
After one month, mulch to a depth of 3–5cm using pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane mulch.
Apply some liquid seaweed solution every couple of months but otherwise, don’t feed.
As the leeks begin to develop, build up soil or mulch around their bases to blanch the stems by mound mulch extra high, making them sweeter and more tender.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: About 24 weeks.
How to harvest: Harvest using a hand fork, gently pulling on the foliage. They have intensive root zones so loosening up the soil is essential. They keep well in-ground during the cooler times of the year, so let the others rest until required.
TIP
Rather than discard the roots, replant in the patch for a much quicker round two.
