Topic: Storage of leeks

[PJW_Letchworth]

I still have quite a few leeks in my plot from last year and I have already decided what will be grown there this year.  I need to get the plot dug but I don't want to waste the leeks and there is a limit to how many I can eat! :D

Any suggestions on storage?  Should I lift them?  Could they be replanted somewhere else in tighter bunches?  Do they freeze very well?

Thank you!

[Chantenay]

Hi - yes they freeze well, but if you prefer them fresh you can "heel them in". This involves digging a shallow trench in a part of the plot you will not need for a few weeks, digging up your leeks gently with plenty of soil on the roots and putting them into the trench all bunched together to the depth - or a bit shallower - as they were in growing position. I think the real experts heel them in at an angle, but I don't understand why - anyone know???

[dtw]

What happens if you leave them growing, do they split like onions?

[artichoke]

They flower and they quickly lose the leafy bit that we eat. The flowers are handsome, and you can save the seed eventually, but they take up space, of course.

I have heeled leeks in and found they went soft and peculiar. But that's only my experience.

I think I would freeze them in very concentrated leek soups and so on that I could add potatoes to when thawed. Or leeks in cheese sauce, or whatever it is that you like eating. Or fry chunks gently in a little butter for a few minutes, quickly cool and freeze, and carry on cooking them later when thawed?

[Robert_Brenchley]

I just freeze them, and use them over the summer. I've got a lot this year, so I'll probably do a big pot of leek soup at some point.

[manicscousers]

same here, Robert..good for stews and casseroles  :)

[glow777]

we use them to make leek and potato soup with the last of the spuds. However we also freeze plenty and they freeze well either chopped sliced or whole. No need to blanch.
G

[BAK]

While healing them in is good, beware that they will start to go woody soon. Therefore, freezing may be better, depending on how many you have.

[Spyros]

on the subject of leeks, can anybody give any advice on propagation?
i've got a trayful of hannibal leek seeds that have germinated very quickly indoors into 4 inch long shoots. at what point do i transplant into deeper soil etc? and how deep down do i plant them this time round?

[PJW_Letchworth]

Last year I transplanted my leeks when they were about 5-6".  I think this may have been a little too small.  Take a look at http://www.garden-centre.org/Leek.htm as there is some useful tips there.

Good luck!

[cambourne7]

brilliant link theres tons of info on more than just leeks!