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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: aquilegia on September 17, 2004, 13:34:47

Title: harvesting leeks
Post by: aquilegia on September 17, 2004, 13:34:47

Probably a stupid question, but how do I harvest leeks?

I don't want to just yank them up for fear of breakage. Do I dig them up? (I worry that they may be planting too closely for that - I was only trying to grow baby leeks anyway!)

I assume I only harvest them as I need them and leave the rest in the ground?

Title: Re:harvesting leeks
Post by: sandersj89 on September 17, 2004, 13:48:53

I use a fork to ease the ground near the leek and then gently pull them from the soil. If small and planted close a hand fork should be fine.

And yes, leave in the ground until ready to use. They will stand through the average winter. If at all worried they freeze well.

Jerry

Title: Re:harvesting leeks
Post by: gilgamesh on September 17, 2004, 15:31:24

If you need them out of the way, you can dig them up wholesale & heel them in - they won't grow on, but they keep well this way.

Title: Re:harvesting leeks
Post by: aquilegia on September 17, 2004, 16:05:33

Thanks both.

I shall have a go with a hand fork as they are only babies (mmm - roasted whole!) I never meant to grow price winners!

Gilga - they are in a pot anyway, so not in the way, but it's useful to know for the future.