Leeks - latin name Allium porrum - are not difficult to grow, although there are 2 stages.

• first the seed is sown in a bed
• then the seedlings are transplanted. This is the daunting bit, when experienced gardeners huff & puff, nodding knowingly. But really there is nothing to it.

To transplant leeks:

• check that the leek seedlings are large enough. They are ready for transplanting when they are about 20cm high and as thick as a pencil.

• water the leeks growing in the seedbed, so that they are less likely to be damaged when lifted.

• gently lift a handful of leeks by inserting a fork under them & jiggling it about to loosen the soil

• select the best seedlings - those that look strong, healthy and have not been damaged

• trim the roots of the seedling, so that when they are dropped into the planting hole, they will be pointing downwards. If the roots are left long, they will bend and be pushed upwards when they are placed into the planting hole.

• the leaves are trimmed so that they are about 20cm long. This will reduce transpiration, water loss, and stop the plants from wilting whilst they are getting established.

• markers are put at the end of the rows, which are 30cm apart.

• trenches are made, by pulling the soil back to make a ridge between the row. This soil can then be used to ‘earth up’ the leek as it grows, to keep it white.

• a walking board protects the soil structure by preventing it from being compacted by walking on it.

• A measuring board, marked with different spacing, on each side is a useful tool. The summer leeks were planted every 15cm. The winter leeks will grow larger, and were planted at 20cm spacing.

• a hole is made 15cm deep using a dibber (or steel rod). It is worth putting a piece of white tape around the dibber at the 15cm mark, so that you know when it has been inserted into the ground at the correct depth.

• the seedling is gently placed in the hole, so that it is straight.

• do not fill the hole in with soil

• fill the hole with water, but only put in enough water to fill the hole once.

• the holes will gradually fill up themselves, without any help from the gardener.

• the leeks should be kept free of weeds

• these leeks were sown on 14 April and transplanted on 30 June. They should have been transplanted a bit earlier, but the rain and subsequent floods caused the delay.

• TopVeg has grown Pandora, for midseason, and Musselborough & Autumn Giant for a late winter crop.

Related articles on growing leeks:
preparing to plant seeds

leek seedlings

baby/mini leeks

leek varieties