harvesting leeks

[aquilegia]

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?

[aquilegia]

[sandersj89]

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

[gilgamesh]

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.

[aquilegia]

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.