Leeks
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How to Grow Leeks
Leeks are grown for their thick, juicy stems. 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. Short-Season and Long-Season Leeks Long-season leeks have thick, cylindrical stems. They take about 170 days to reach harvest. Long-season leeks are harvested from […] More
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When to Plant Leeks
Leeks are generally classified according to their main season of maturity—in other words, how quickly a variety reaches harvest stage. Planting times roughly correspond to harvest times although there is some overlap. There are early, mid-season, and late-season leeks. Early varieties planted in spring will be ready in summer or autumn; mid-season varieties planted in […] More
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Growing Leeks Year-Round in Tubes
Leeks are nearly a year-round garden grower. Start leeks indoors in winter for planting out in very early spring for an early summer harvest. Set out leeks transplants in late summer for a fall and all-winter harvest. Leeks are a cool-season crop and produce best if the days remain below 75°F. Sow leek seeds indoors […] More
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Planting Leeks and Shallots Autumn and Spring
Leeks and shallots are easy to grow. They are the subtle, refined-flavor alternatives to bulb onions and garlic. In mild winter regions, plant leeks and shallots in late autumn or winter. In cool–but not cold–winter regions plant leeks and shallots in late summer and autumn for spring harvest. Plant them again in spring for fall […] More
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Potato-Leek Soup Simply Made
PrintPotato-Leek SoupAuthor Steve Albert Potato-leek soup is simply made with potatoes and leeks from the garden. You can leave the skins on the potatoes if you like. Ingredients3 parts finely sliced potatoes; use boiling or Yellow Finn potatoes, scrubbed well.2 parts sliced leeks (or onions); use only the white parts.Milk or creamSeasoningsOil or butterInstructionsSauté the […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Leeks
Harvest leeks when they are big enough to use. Most leeks mature 100 to 120 days after sowing seed, but a few varieties mature in as few as 60 days. Some varieties mature at ½ to ¾ inches in diameter; others can grow to 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more in diameter. When to Harvest […] More
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Onion Family Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
Onions and their close relatives–chives, garlic, shallots, and leeks–are among the oldest of home garden plants. Allium is the genus for these crops. All varieties of Allium require loose, well-drained soil rich in nitrogen. There are hundreds of varieties of onion family plants. All suffer from similar pest, disease, and cultural problems Here is a […] More
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Six Ways to Cook and Serve Leeks
Leeks can be steamed, braised, grilled, and poached. You can also make leek au gratin and leek-potato soup. The flavor and fragrance of leeks are more subtle, more delicate and sweeter than onions How to Choose Leeks Select leeks that are straight, firm and intact with crisp, upright, brightly colored leaves and that have unblemished […] More
Steve Albert