Planting out Leeks – Growing Leeks

planting LeeksLeeks are one of the easiest plants to grow and my method is simple. Start them off at home in deep pots or troughs and when they’re about pencil thick, plant them out on the plot.

In terms of result for time, they’re very productive. Once they’re in the ground the only thing you need to do is to water if dry and weed a couple of times.

Trimming Leeks when Planting Out

You may read in some older gardening books about trimming the roots and tops before planting out but trials have shown this is pointless and may actually harm rather than help.

If you’ve got a heavy clay soil, leeks have a benefit that they break up the clay with their root system. Do give a little fertiliser, I like fish, blood & bone, before planting out to get them off to a good start.

Check out:  How to Grow Your Own Leeks and Vegetative Propagation of Blanch Leeks

Posted in John's Gardening Tips
6 comments on “Planting out Leeks – Growing Leeks
  1. Ann says:

    John,
    Thank you so much for a fantastic video on leeks – it all makes sense to me now and I will follow your instructions to the letter.
    Ann

  2. Mary says:

    Hi There,
    Im new to vegetable gardening and I’ve sown “beginners’ Baby Leeks. It said to transplant the seedlings when about 2 inches or more tall. They looked good so I put them in the garden. However, they were so fiddly that I’m worried that I’ve damaged the roots. I covered them with soil too, so Im thinking perhaps they wont take? At the moment they look a bit flaccid just flopping on the ground. Do I have to start again?
    best
    MAry

    • John Harrison says:

      @Mary: As I said in the video, leeks are tough plants and will take a fair amount of root damage and recover well. I assume you mean you covered the roots, not the whole plant with soil? !!
      They always look a bit sad for a week or so after transplanting so I don’t think you have to start again.
      We’re growing some salad leeks (like spring onions) but they don’t get transplanted. Personally I’d not bother with things labelled ‘beginners’ – most normal veg are easy enough if you follow the instructions regardless.

  3. Mary says:

    Hi John,
    Yes, I covered just the roots, and the plants look a bit sorry for themselves. I might do a sow from the growhouse til pencil thin then try in another bed. Thanks so much for the advice. Ive’ trawled the web for advice and your site is by far the best! Thanks again. I’ll let you know how I get on!
    Best Mary

  4. Joe Murphy says:

    Hello John.
    I’ve just watched your video on planting out Leeks and found it to be really helpful. A lot of people have different ideas about Leeks but your video clears up a lot of the rubbish sometimes talked about them. I’m looking forward to getting back up the allotment and having a go.
    Thank you.
    Best regards

    Joe

  5. Tina Nolan says:

    Excellent video! Takes the mystery out of things, not had much luck before so looking forward to trying it your easy way.

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