Your comments and tips

12 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)

Read the notes here - it is all there. I'd suggest you plant them in Autumn and pick them about 5 mths later.

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Sep 18, Gail (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

When do I plant leeks on the mid North coast?

Reply or Post a new comment

25 Sep 18, Graham (Australia - temperate climate)

I planted leeks in April at wauchope on the mid north coast and they were slow at first but have done very well since. We had plenty of frosts in July and August however this didn’t seem to effect them.

Reply or Post a new comment

11 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Go back to the leek page, set your climate to sub tropical - then look at the year monthly calendar - S plant seeds - T transplant seedlings.

Reply or Post a new comment

17 Nov 17, Norma (Australia - temperate climate)

I am just starting to harvest my leeks and I notice there are little baby leek shoots at the base of the leek. Will these grow into proper leeks? I have been putting the whole base of the old leek back into the ground and the tiny shoot grows very quickly but I am not sure if it will be a proper new leek.

Reply or Post a new comment

20 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

I know nothing about growing leeks. If you can keep some roots with the little shoots then they should grow. It is now plant time for leeks. Or put the little shoots in water and see if they start producing roots and then plant out. The old plant should grow. Google it - growing from old plants - leeks carrots etc. .

Reply or Post a new comment

28 Oct 17, Jason (Australia - temperate climate)

G,day gardeners, I was given a bunch of small leeks about 6 months ago which was mid winter here in South Australia. I didn't know anything about leeks so I just separated them and planted in a small ditch. They are now 2 to 3 feet tall and have shot a tall stem up with a bulb on the top of it. I have tried to find out when to harvest them but can't find any clear instructions on this. My question is, does the appearance of this bulb mean they are turning to seed ? Do I need to pull them now or can I leave them growing ? Any info would be appreciated, thank you.

Reply or Post a new comment

30 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

"When leeks have gone to seed, they become tough and inedible. Below you will find some tips on stopping the leek flowering or bolting. Why a Leek Plant Flowers and Bolts. When many plants bolt or go to seed, like broccoli or basil, it is due to warm temperatures. With leeks, it’s different. When leeks go to seed, it is normally due to being exposed to optimal temperatures followed by cold temperatures. In other words, a leek flowering is due to cold weather, not warm weather. When a leek flowers, it causes the neck or lower stem of the leek to become woody and tough and the leek will become bitter. While you can technically still eat leeks are gone to seed, you probably won’t like the flavor". Leeks take about 100-120 days to grow - so if you planted in mid winter (July 14th) it is now 3 1/2 mths - 100+ days - suggestion, pull them out if they look nice and tender - if looking woody, you have left it too late.

Reply or Post a new comment

08 Jun 17, Shane Cave (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I live on a sand dune but with raised vegetable beds with added topsoil and lots of home made compost - made from kitchen and varied garden waste - but my leeks wont thicken. How can I get better leeks?

Reply or Post a new comment

09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Leeks prefer a moist clay type soil. I suggest you keep building your soil up with heavier soil, if you can get it, and plant your leeks closer together, making the most of smaller leeks in the meantime. Maybe leaving them in the ground a bit longer will help them to thicken.

Reply or Post a new comment