You can grow leek in summer too

Leek (Allium porrum) is a well-known vegetable and many of use it similarly as onion and garlic for example. Leek is much milder, so people who cannot handle the sharp taste of onions and garlic tend to use it more often. Leek can be cooked or used raw in cold cuisine (for example, leek bread spread is excellent). The good news is that you can grow your own leek too. You can start at the end of spring, no rush.

Summer and winter leek…

It is important to know that there are two types of leeks: summer and winter type.

• The vegetation period for summer leek is around 150 days. Diameter of summer leek is about four centimetres and the white part is longer than that of winter leek. You can harvest during summer or autumn, before the first frosts hit.
• Winter leek is shorter (summer leek can be one meter tall), but it is thicker: six centimetres or more in diameter. Growing season lasts about 200 daysand you can harvest it in autumn. Since winter leek can withstand temperature down to -15 °C, you can leave it in the ground over the winter.

Growing leek

Leek is not demanding and can handle colder regions. You can choose any spot for growing – even shade. However, it does not like excessive humidity. You can start with seeds or seedlings. If you do seedlings, plant them in rows that are about 30 centimetres apart. Summer leek should be spaced 15 centimetres apart. Before planting, shorten the roots and the green part of the seedlings which is above the ground. Plant to a depth of at least 10 centimetres. Sufficient watering is very important. Do not over do it… but make sure it has sufficiently moist soil.

Photo: Pixabay

When is the right time to sow?

You can sow leek seeds as early as in mid-February and in April you can transfer seedlings outside. Direct sowing is also possible but it depends on the weather. The most important thing is that there is no danger of freezing weather, so start in mid-May to the beginning of July. When you sow make sure that there is a 50 cm between individual rows. When seedlings sprout, thin the rows – leave only the strongest ones.

Caring for seedlings

As the seedlings grow taller, gradually cover them with soil – to make sure that the white part grows as long as possible. That mainly applies to summer leek. Do not forget watering – especially during hot summer days.

Preview photo: Pixabay