Leeks

The underappreciated veggie!

Leeks are one of my favourite vegetables to grow and eat, although they are very much underappreciated here in Southern Ontario gardens. They belong to the onion family but do not form a bulb, instead a long upright white shank is produced topped with wide flat leaves. All parts of the plant are eaten, except the roots and tough outer leaves. Taste is a mild onion flavour. Leeks benefit from being planted early – as soon as you can work the soil is great, although I don’t usually get mine planted until June and they do fine!

How to plant leeks

When you purchase a pack of leeks, each cell will have a small clump of plants in it. Separate out the individual plants and plant about 6” apart in deep holes. Only 1-2” of leaves needs to extend above the soil. As the plants grow, hill with soil to extend the blanched white shank. Harvest when plants reach the desired size. Easy to grow and delicious to eat! Just think Leek and Potato soup this fall and be inspired to plant this spring!

Leeks are one of my favourite vegetables to grow and eat

Leeks are one of my favourite vegetables to grow and eat.