More on bhg.com:
| |
Search by Topic
Return to Main Page
Garden Topics
Lawns
Indoor Plants
Soil
Vines
Insects
Animal Pests
Fruit
Basics
Seeds
Propagation
Roses
Pruning
Perennials
Weeds
Bulbs
Landscaping
Trees/Shrubs
Annuals
Disease
Vegetable Gardening
Return to Main Page
Indoor Plants
Soil
Vines
Insects
Animal Pests
Fruit
Basics
Seeds
Propagation
Roses
Pruning
Perennials
Weeds
Bulbs
Landscaping
Trees/Shrubs
Annuals
Disease
Vegetable Gardening
Question:
Growing leeks
This is the first year that I've grown leeks in my garden. What's the best way to grow them? Do I need to deadhead them as I do garlic?
Expert's Answer
Leeks (Allium) are a tasty winter vegetable and are usually best when used in late autumn and winter after cold temperatures have sweetened them. Because they're a cool-season vegetable, leeks will withstand a considerable amount of cold, especially when covered with layers of leaves or snow during the winter. Leeks thrive in cool weather, and they need rich soil with lots of organic matter. They also appreciate plenty of moisture. Leeks that start to produce seed heads will be tough and low quality. However, when a leek becomes mature enough to produce seed, it will also make small bulblets around the base under the soil. Separate these bulblets and plant them to produce new leeks, much as you would an onion set. Seed heads normally form on leeks in the second year. If seed heads form in the plants' first year, your leeks are under stress. Change the growing environment to more favorable conditions to keep them healthy.
Growing leeks
This is the first year that I've grown leeks in my garden. What's the best way to grow them? Do I need to deadhead them as I do garlic?
Expert's Answer
Leeks (Allium) are a tasty winter vegetable and are usually best when used in late autumn and winter after cold temperatures have sweetened them. Because they're a cool-season vegetable, leeks will withstand a considerable amount of cold, especially when covered with layers of leaves or snow during the winter. Leeks thrive in cool weather, and they need rich soil with lots of organic matter. They also appreciate plenty of moisture. Leeks that start to produce seed heads will be tough and low quality. However, when a leek becomes mature enough to produce seed, it will also make small bulblets around the base under the soil. Separate these bulblets and plant them to produce new leeks, much as you would an onion set. Seed heads normally form on leeks in the second year. If seed heads form in the plants' first year, your leeks are under stress. Change the growing environment to more favorable conditions to keep them healthy.
my gardening notebook
hi, Susie
Not Susie?
most recently clipped Not Susie?
Your garden notebook is empty
open my notebook
Hello, Susie
BHG.com has special news for you. Find Out 
See exclusive offers just for our members. Click here to enter for your chance to win great prizes.
Loading Recent Clippings
Browse through your recent clippings
organized by areas of the site.
|
|
- Videos
- Top Tools
- Calendar
- Win Daily
Holiday Screen Savers
Your holiday decorating starts with just a few clicks using our FREE screen savers!
© Copyright , Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Service.