Leeks, a Garden Great

By Jos Van Hage

Leeks dwarf their green onion cousins.

A vegetable not always grown in everyone's garden but has been in mine for  many years is the Leek. It is a member of the onion (allium) family but  has a milder, sweeter taste than onions with an added taste of garlic.  It  tastes good in soups, stews, steamed, or raw in salads.

Leeks require a long growing season so should be started indoors in  March/April and then transplanted outside in May. If you don't want to  start them from seed they are also available as bedding plants in the spring.

Leeks are easy to grow and are rarely bothered by pests, disease or weather. One of the hardiest vegetables in the garden, they can be  transplanted outside by early May and should be left in the garden until at least mid to late September after the garden has had a good frost.  Frost enhances the taste of leeks and so I never harvest them until they  have had a touch of frost.

Leeks are heavy feeders so they should be planted a soil rich with compost  or old manure. Soil should be deep and well drained for good root  formation. To plant the transplants dig a 4-6 inch trench and plant the leeks 3 inches apart in the trench covering the plants roots and the first inch of plant. As the plant grows, slowly fill in the trench and then start to build a hill around the plant throughout the growing season being careful not to get dirt inside the leaves or covering the plant too high.  This is done to create a long white stalk which is the part you eat.

Throughout the growing season water, fertilize and weed the leeks regularly.

When you are ready to harvest your leeks in the fall, dig them up using a fork or spade. If you are planning to eat them right away, then cut off the roots and the thick dark green upper leaves. Slice the leek lengthwise and wash any sand, grit, or dirt that may be between the layers. You can  then chop it into smaller pieces to the desired size. At home we chop the leeks and put them in the freezer to use throughout the winter.

Leeks are a very healthy food high in Vitamin A.  They are rarely bothered by maggots which was a real problem in the onion crop last year. I think  that as more people plant them they will become more popular in vegetable gardens because when you have planted them once you will certainly want them again next year!

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and opeates two Art Knapp Garden Centres in the Prince George region:

• Highway 97 north  at Northwood Pulp Mill Road and Aberdeen
• Highway 16 west across from the Bon Voyage  plaza

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