The Secret to planting Leeks

Last year I planted all my leeks in peat pots and though they were fine and we ate them all winter they were slow to get going and did not have the lovely creamy white stems I love about leeks. After research I realised that I should have planted them in deep holes! This year I have planted the majority of my leeks - Musselburgh and St Victor - on the terraces near the zucchini and artichokes in long double rows. We love leeks and I use them about four or five times a week in the winter as the base for so many dishes, casseroles, pasta sauces and vegetable bakes. This year I have planted well over a hundred. 

I started them off in the greenhouse in deep pots and let them grow there for a couple of months until they were as thick as a pencil and at least eight inches tall. I dug over the bed several times, digging in and down the wonderful cow manure which was well rotted and which I spread over the bed to let the worms take down months ago. Then I emptied the pot of leeks and began to separate them - a much easier task than I had thought as they are tough and the roots are strong. 

Here is the hole I made with a thick stake and I have pushed the roots deep down, about five or six inches and let the leek drop into the hole and the secret is not to fill the hole with soil. Just water in the leeks and the water will take enough soil to the roots and eventually the leek will be completely supported by soil. I found it very satisfying.

In this photo you can see the zucchini growing on well next to the leeks. 

This is Romanesco and alongside it are Soleil, Best of British, Defender, di Nizza and Patti Pan.

I am really hoping that both varieties of leek will do well this year. St Victor was recommended by Sarah Raven - it is a purple leaved very pretty variety which also goes well through the winter and has a good flavour. Musselburgh is an old favourite and I grew it last year - it was wonderful and looked and tasted exactly the same in March and April as it did in the autumn. We ate every one and missed them when they eventually ran out and I dug up the last one at the end of April. I wouldn't be without leeks - one of my top vegetables!