Leeks

Leeks are hardy plants that can grow in almost any type of soil and can grow in the open in harsh weather.

They grow best in soil that is deeply cultivated and generously covered with fertilizer.

The best fertilizer to use when growing leeks is manure that has decayed, but you can use a combination of superphosphate and potassium sulfate as a substitute.

Leeks may be attacked with rot if they are left to grow in stagnant water, so make sure the soil that you plant them in is well drained.

Sow leek seeds in mid-March. The seeds should be placed in holes that are 18 inches apart.

As soon as they can be handled easily, transplant the strongest seedlings into a separate, permanent spot.

When the other seedlings are about 6 inches high, transplant the next strongest.

Leave the rest of the seedlings where they are, and thin them out again so that they are about 8 inches apart.

You can plant a catch crop of lettuce, or a similar vegetable, between the rows.

To plant leek seedlings, drill holes that are 6 inches deep and 1 foot apart, and place the seedlings in them so that they are 8 inches apart.

If you wish, you can set the rows 18 inches apart and grow lettuce or another similar vegetable between the rows.

You should hoe the soil often, so that soil slowly fills up the holes.

When your leeks are almost fully grown, there will be soil on both sides of each plant, up to its neck.

This will help to blanch the leeks - keep them from being exposed to sunlight. Blanching leeks will make them produce less chlorophyll, which will improve their taste.

Another way to transplant leeks is to dig into the ground make holes 1 foot apart, using a blunt dibbler. The holes should be about 9 inches long and 2 inches deep.

Drop the seedlings in the bottoms of the holes and then move enough loose soil into the holes so that the roots are covered.

As the plants grow and the soil is cultivated, the holes will become filled with soil. Eventually, the soil will cover the sides of the rows.

You should try to transplant leeks in showery weather.

Make sure that your leeks have a good supply of moisture, and give them liquid manure once a week.