Leek
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
A hardy allium for the UK garden, best started under cover and planted out into firm, fertile soil. Keep the rows weed-free, water well in dry spells, and lift stems as you need them from autumn through winter and into spring.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Leek
Planting Calendar
Get Personalized Planting Dates
Set your location to see specific planting dates and timing for your area.
Prepare the Bed
Dig the bed well and work in compost before planting time. Leeks do best in moisture-retentive but free-draining soil, and a loose, stone-free tilth helps the stems grow straight around .
Sow Seeds Under Cover
Sow seeds thinly in modules or a seed tray around , about deep. Keep them at and water gently so the compost stays moist but not sodden.
Prick Out Seedlings
Move seedlings on when they are large enough to handle, from . Pot them into small modules or deeper trays so the roots can develop without crowding.
Harden Off
Set plants outside for a few hours a day before planting out. Do this over so they adjust to wind, sun and cooler nights without checking growth.
Plant Out
Plant sturdy seedlings into deep dibbed holes around , leaving just the base of the leaves at soil level. Water in thoroughly at once, then let the soil settle naturally around the roots rather than firming hard.
Weed and Earth Up
Keep the rows weed-free and draw soil up around the stems as they thicken. Start from and repeat as the plants grow, keeping moisture steady in dry spells so the stems stay tender and pale.
Harvest Leeks
Lift leeks from once the stems are a usable size, then keep picking through . Use a fork to loosen the soil before pulling, and take what you need rather than clearing the bed at once.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Leek.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Leek to consider
Musselburgh
A reliable open-pollinated leek with long, sturdy stems and good winter hardiness.
Lyon
A traditional variety that gives long white shanks and dependable flavour.
Bandit
A hardy winter leek that stands well and crops for a long period.
Below Zero
A very cold-tolerant leek suited to late cropping and winter harvests.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.