Green Blog
30 June 2011
Grow your own food, week 14 - planting out leeks
Did you sow leeks back in March? If so, it's reminder time.
By now you should have seedlings that are about the width of a pencil (see picture, right). Which means they're ready to plant out.
Your leeks now need deep holes to grow in. The deeper the hole, the bigger the white, edible bit on the stem.
You can make the hole using a dibber (pictured); or by using the wrong end of a tool such as rake, hoe or trowel.
Aim for holes 15 cm deep, 15 cm apart, in rows with about 30 cm between them. Now put a leek seedling in each of the holes and water. There's no need to fill up the holes with earth.
As your leeks grow you can gather more soil around them to make a larger blanched stem.
Harvest from autumn onwards, as and when you need them.
Dominic Murphy, Publishing & New Media Team
Dominic Murphy's book 'The Playground Potting Shed' includes an easy guide to growing food throughout the year. To order a signed copy at the special price of £6.99 please visit our Shop.
© Dominic Murphy
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