
Sunny site with well dug soil
Leeks like a sunny, sheltered spot that doesn’t get too waterlogged. Fertile soil helps, so add plenty of compost before planting.

Great for raised beds
You can grow leeks really well in a raised bed or traditional veg plot, and also in pots – choose pots that are nice and deep, and oblong in shape works well.

How far apart?
15-20cm apart is about right. If you are short on space, you can plant them closer together and harvest alternate leeks earlier in the season as baby leeks.

How to plant leeks
To plant your leeks, make a hole with a dibber or pencil 15- 20cm deep and pop your leek plant in. Fill the hole with water and just allow it to soak away. This will draw enough soil over the plant to cover the roots and help to blanch the stems as the leek grows.

Don't forget to label the row
Label your rows so you know where your leeks are – they are easily lost when they are still young plants, especially if you have couch grass popping up.

Earth them up
Earth up (pull a little extra soil into a small mound around the leek) as they start to grow – this will give you leeks with more white on the stem.

Weeding and Watering
Keep leeks well watered during dry spells, and keep them weed-free as much as possible. Using an onion hoe for regular weeding is best as this allows you to get in amongst the plants without disturbing their roots.

When to harvest
Leeks can be harvested in autumn and winter as you want to use them in the kitchen. Use a garden fork to carefully pull them up without tearing them at the roots.