Leeks are a cool-season allium prized for their sweet, mild onion flavor. Harvesting at the right time and with proper technique ensures tender stalks and peak taste. With over 30 years of hands-on leek-growing experience in raised beds and mounded rows, I’ve learned how timing and care make all the difference. Here’s how to harvest…
Leeks are hardy and generally easy to grow, but they can still fall victim to pests and diseases that weaken plants and reduce harvests. Controlling these problems naturally helps protect your crop and keeps your garden chemical-free. Here are the most common leek pests and diseases and how to manage them organically. Common Leek Pests…
Leeks are grown for their thick, juicy, long stalks. They are a mild-flavored alternative to the onion. Leeks require a long growing season—up to 170 days. They grow best in cool, mild weather. Leeks are nearly a year-round garden grower. Start leeks indoors in winter for planting out in very early spring for an early…
Leeks are a cool- and cold-season crop. There are two types of leeks: short-season leeks and long-season leeks. Long-season leeks have thick, cylindrical stems–and keep long, and short-season leeks that have a thinner stem and don’t keep as well as long-season leeks. Short-season leeks mature in as few as 70 days. Long-season leeks mature in…
Timing is crucial for growing healthy, tender leeks. Planting at the right time ensures strong stalks, minimal bolting, and a continuous harvest. Leeks are a cool-season crop, thriving in fertile, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Over decades of gardening, I’ve learned that climate and USDA zone significantly affect when to start seeds indoors, transplant seedlings,…
Choosing the right leek variety can make a big difference in flavor, size, and harvest timing. Leeks are a versatile, cool-season vegetable that can provide tender, flavorful stalks for soups, stews, braises, and fresh salads. Over decades of gardening, I’ve experimented with numerous varieties in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens, learning which ones thrive…
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