Common Name:Leek
Latin Name: Allium ampeloprasum
Description: Related to onions and grown for their fleshy stem and delicate flavour. Prepare soil with organic matter and fertiliser. Gently separate seedlings and plant 20cm apart.
Harvesting: Start harvesting when stems are 2cm thick in summer. Cut below ground to encourage new seedlings.
Best Results: Grow in full sun in rich, well drained soil. Fertilise every 2 – 3 weeks with nitrogen or liquid fertiliser.
Uses: Wash well after cutting lengthways first. Use in soups, egg dishes and casseroles.
Companion: Deters many insects such as aphids so plant these throughout the vegetable garden