How to Grow Winter Leeks

Plant the leek seeds in late April or May, once the threat of frost in your area has passed. Prior to planting the seeds, mix organic fertilizer into the soil. Use a raised platform to start the seeds for best results.

Transplant the leeks to their permanent growing place in late July. Most gardeners choose to plant the leeks into trenches to ensure the maximum amount of light will reach the seedlings. Dig trenches spaced one-and-a-half to two feet away from each other.

Plant the leeks into the trenches in holes 3 to 4 inches deep. Carefully spread the root hairs before placing them in the ground. Gently press a half inch of soil onto the roots, then gently water each plant. Place each plant into the trench at six-inch intervals.

Add soil to the trench while the leeks grow, keeping it at a level just below the area of the leek where the leaves branch out. Once the trench has become full of dirt, you can hill the soil up around each plant to encourage bulb growth.

Harvest your leeks beginning in September, continuing through the winter months. For best results, use a spading fork to lift them from the soil instead of pulling them.