Leeks ( Allium ampeloprasum ) are cool atmospheric condition , biyearly vegetables belonging to theonionfamily . They have a milder flavor than onions , and do n’t organise bulb like onions . rather , Allium porrum grow edible 6 to 10 inch stalk . They are low in calories and nutritious , providing 20 % of your daily iron and vitamin C. Use the following suggestions on how to engraft Allium porrum in your garden , and maintain them for the whole growing season .
What Is the Best Location for Planting Leeks?
Allium porrum require eight hours of full sun every day , so choose a location that become verbatim sun . If you ’re planting leeks in containers , you have more localization options because you’re able to move them to the sunny arena in your grand . They have an extended growing time of year because they are tolerant to ice .
What Are the Best Soil Conditions for Growing Leeks?
Not only do leeks need full sunlight , but they also require well - drained , fertile soil . For best results , your garden stain should have a pH of 6.2 to 6.8 . you could try your soil with a home pH examination outfit to determine if it ’s suitable for leeks . If not , adding organic mulch to the soil can provide the fertility your soil postulate for growing leeks . Using peas ascompanion plantsto Allium porrum impart nitrogen to the soil , which is good to leeks .
When Is the Best Time to Plant Leek Seeds?
Since scallion take from 120 to 150 day to produce , so if you hold out in northerly areas , commence your seeds indoors in February or March . ordinarily , cum take 2 to 3 weeks to germinate , in temperatures from 40 ° farad ( 4.5 ° snow ) to 95 ° F ( 35 ° hundred ) . You should transplant your seedlings about 10 to 15 hebdomad after sprouting , and they are as thick as a pencil and 8 - inch tall . The temperature should be at least 45 ° F ( 7 ° carbon ) when you transpose your seedlings into your garden .
How to Harden Off Seedlings before Planting
When your seedlings are quick to graft , indurate them off to prepare them for parky , spring atmospheric condition . If you have a cold framing , you could place out your leek seedling about one week before planting fourth dimension . If you do n’t have a stale frame , set out the seedlings during the twenty-four hour period , then bring them back indoors at nighttime for one week . you could also keep the seedling in a garage or shed at nighttime , as long as they ’re protect from stale temperatures at dark .
How to Plant Leek Transplants
After hardening off your transplants , trim the radical to 1 inch . Dig trenches in rows of 1 to 3 ft apart . constitute the leek transplants from 2 to 6 inch aside . Arrange the leeks so the folio develop in the spaces between rows . This will give the plant plenty of air circulation and illumination for growing , while keep up garden distance . An alternative planting method acting is to hill the leek , institute them at ground level , then make a mound of compost around the plants . This method help the leeks develop long , edible tool .
How Much Water Do Leeks Need?
To keep fungus development on leek foliage , thoroughly water the soil around the plant every week . Too much watering can leave in modeling and fungal disease .
How to Control Insects that Infest Leeks?
The most common pesterer to intrude on leeks are onion thrips , bulb mites and onion plant maggot . apply floating quarrel covers , seal on the edges can keep these dirt ball from invading your leeks .
What Are the Most Common Leek Diseases?
When planting Allium porrum , learn for a few disease that can attack your plants . In some case , you could process the diseases to prevent further damage , or use preventative measures to keep your scallion healthy .
disease that attack Allium porrum include :
Crop rotation and even weeding help oneself foreshorten the occurrence of these disease .
When Is the Best Time to Harvest Leeks?
Leeks are quick to pick when the stalk is at least one - column inch in diameter . If you planted a little Allium porrum variety , it can reach maturity when it ’s one - half in in diameter . The shaft should be whitened , stiff and over 3 inch in distance . The increment at the top of the diaphysis should be dark green . you may pull leek from the dry land with a gentle , twisting motion .
Since scallion are more kind to frost than onion , you’re able to harvest them after a couple of freeze . The temperature can get as low as 20 ° F ( -6 ° C ) before harming the leeks . If you mound mulch around the leeks for protection , they ’ll last until belated fall .
