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Leeks Growing Guide🧄 : Planting, Watering, and Harvesting Tips

Leeks Growing Guide🧄 : Planting, Watering, and Harvesting Tips

Introduction

Leeks are a cool-season allium with a mild, sweet onion flavor. Perfect for soups, sautés, and roasting, they grow beautifully in SIPs and wicking beds where steady bottom-up watering encourages straight, tender stalks. Using GardenWells inserts ensures consistent hydration while reducing maintenance.

When to Plant Leeks

  • Spring: Start seeds indoors January to February and transplant seedlings outdoors in March or April. See the March Gardening Guide for early prep tips.

  • Summer: In cooler climates, plant a second crop in June for a fall harvest.

  • Fall/Winter: In mild regions, overwinter leeks for extended harvests into February.

Square Foot Gardening Spacing

  • Spacing: 4–6 leeks per sq ft (~4” apart)

  • Depth: Transplant seedlings into 6” deep holes or trenches, leaving just the tips above soil

  • Companions: Pair well with carrots, beets, and celery.

How to Plant Leeks

Starting Indoors (Preferred)

  • Sow seeds 10–12 weeks before last frost under grow lights.

  • Transplant when seedlings are 8–10” tall and pencil-thin.

Trenching & Blanching

  • Leeks develop their classic white stalks by limiting sunlight exposure:

    • Transplant into trenches 4–6” deep.

    • Gradually backfill soil as leeks grow taller, “blanching” stems for tenderness.

Watering Your Leeks

Leeks need steady, deep hydration throughout the season:

  • Use your WaterStem to track moisture: when the Hummingbird rises, your reservoir’s full; when it drops, refill.

  • Before establishment: Top-water daily for the first 7–10 days.

  • After establishment: Refill SIP reservoirs every 1–2 weeks, depending on heat and density.

  • Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Visit the June Gardening Guide for long-season SIP care.

Harvesting Leeks

  • Timing: Ready in 100–120 days after transplanting.

  • Method: Loosen soil with a fork and lift gently to avoid damaging stalks.

  • Overwintering: In mild climates, leave leeks in SIPs or wicking beds until needed — flavor improves after light frost.

Common Issues & Fixes

Issue Likely Cause Solution
Yellow Tips Drought stress Maintain reservoir level consistently
Small Bulbs Crowding or poor soil Space properly, add compost
Leek Moth Damage Leaf miners/pests Cover plants with mesh or interplant carrots

Companion Plants for Leeks

Best companions (with cross-links):

  • Carrots → Mutual pest deterrence benefits.

  • Beets → Perfect root-depth match in gardens.

  • Celery → Leeks shade soil to keep celery cooler.

  • Lettuce → Interplant for efficient garden layering.

Avoid planting with:

  • Onions and garlic → Shared pests and nutrient demands.

  • Legumes like peas → Prefer different soil profiles.

Product Tips

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