Leek

Some varieties are hardy and can be harvested throughout the winter. This ancient crop plant, which belongs to the allium family, was a popular vegetable even in ancient times. In the Middle Ages, leeks came from Italy to Central Europe, where they spread rapidly. Belgium was a center of breeding in the 20th century.

There are summer, autumn and winter varieties based on the time of harvest and frost hardiness. Summer and autumn varieties are somewhat more tender and mild in taste. . Winter leeks, on the other hand, have a little more compact growth and have stronger leaves with a more intense aroma.

Ideally pre-cultivate leeks as individual seedlings in multi-pot trays or by scattering broadly in propagators. Do not sow too close to each other so the plants have room to develop. Seedlings from seed trays can be planted once the roots hold the soil together. Bare-rooted seedlings from propagators are transplanted as soon as they are as thick as a pencil. To maximize the white stem, the seedlings should be planted as deep as possible and earthed up at least twice during the growing season. Usually only a crop netting is any defense against the most common pest, the allium leaf miner.