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The Latin name is Allium ampeloprasum
porrum, but we know it by its simpler name - the
leek. It is a member of the onion family and it
imparts a unique flavoring in the dishes where
it is used, from soups and casseroles to classic
European dishes such as quiches and gratins. The
ones available in stores can get a bit pricey,
so it makes immense sense if you can grow your
own.
Leeks are very cold-hardy
and grow best in cool weather, which is below
25 C. They need a long time to grow so it is better
to start growing them in early spring. Leek seeds
need to be planted at least ½ inch below
the soil. Good soil which is nutrient rich, well-drained
soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is extremely
essential.
If temperatures are high, the
seeds can be covered with compost or organic matter.
This is good for the plant as it has a high nitrogen
requirement. It takes about four to six weeks
for the seedlings to emerge, and then it is time
to thin plants so that they are four inches apart.
During the early stages of development the soil
needs to be kept moist all the time but as the
plant starts to mature the soil can be kept dry.
To obtain the blanched edible
part of the plant, it is imperative to hill the
soil at least two to three times to exclude light
from the stem. Some gardeners also tie brown wrapping
paper or opaque plastic around the stems to exclude
light. This process also keeps the leek clean
and produces white leek of high quality, which
can be harvested at any time one desires.
If you like Gardening....These
pages might also interest you:
Allium
Directory, Amaryllis
Directory, Begonia
Directory, Crocus
Directory, Daffodils
Directory, Dahlia
Directory, Hyacinth
Directory, Iris
Directory, Lily
Directory, Tulip
Directory
Also see:
A
Love Affair With Gardening, Charming
Camillias, Firescaping,
Gardening
for the Family, Garden
Rodents, Garden
Catalogs, General
Gardening Tips. Gardens
in the Shade, Hot
Summer Cool Garden, How
to Plant Leeks, Involve
Your Children, Outfits
for Gardening, Photograph
Your Garden, Plant
Care Basics, Using
Leaves as Compost, What
to Avoid Buying Guide, Cheap
Garden Ideas, Creating
Garden Berms, Garden
Fragrances, Garden
Lessons, Gardening
for The Challenged, Gardening
is Great, Gardening
Math, Gardening
Tools, How
to Use Peat, More
About Gardening, Love
affair with Lilacs, Organic
Gardening, Slow
Down and Enjoy, Smart
Plant Shopping, Tips
for Beginners
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