Instructions:

• Sow seeds in late winter for autumn harvest
• Sow seeds in late summer for spring harvest
• In field or tunnel
• Transplant if growing in the field, 8-10 weeks after seeding
• 6 inches between plants, 2 rows per bed

Insect Pests:

• Allium leaf miner
• Onion maggot
• Thrips

Diseases:

• Botrytis rot (gray mold)
• Downy mildew
• Damping-off
• White rot

Harvest:

• Ready to harvest about 6 months after seeding
• Harvest in the morning or afternoon, avoid harvesting in midday
• Ready when large, firm and not too bulbous at base
• Pull up entire plant, roots and all, and shake out excess dirt

Post-Harvest:

• Store in coldest temperature possible without freezing (32-36 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Store in containers which allow for air circulation
• Can be frozen, making them last up to 5 months in storage
• When processing, wash each leek, trim off roots and leaves, leaving just the stalk (not necessary until ready to sell)