If you prefer a milder onion flavour to your dishes, try leeks. They have the sweetest and mildest flavour of the onion family and their fleshy, tender white stems are perfect for soups, over roasted or baked meals. They’re easy to grow, too. So, take a ‘leek’ out of our books and grow them today.


How to grow leeks in a garden

  1. Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix. Sprinkle seeds, lightly cover, and gently water. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don’t dry out. 
  2. While the seedlings are growing, choose a sunny spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by loosening the soil with a fork and digging in Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. Add Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite if soil is acidic. 
  3. Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.  Allow seedlings to grow to about 10cm before transplanting.
  4. Transplant and space 20cm apart. Plant seedlings 15cm deeper to help blanch leeks. Mulch with an organic mulch, such as pea or lucerne straw and water in well.
  5. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate to encourage healthy growth. 

     


How to grow leeks in a pot

  1. Choose a pot at least 300mm wide and deep. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix. Set aside until seedlings are ready to be transplanted. 
  2. Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sprinkle seeds, lightly cover, and gently water. Keep the soil moist so the seeds don’t dry out. 
  3. Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate. Allow seedlings to grow to about 10cm before transplanting into the pot.
  4. Transplant and space 10-20cm apart. Plant seedlings 15cm deeper to help blanch leeks. Position pot in full sun and water well. 
  5. Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate to encourage healthy growth. 

Yates varieties


Growing tips

  • Make sure not to plant your leeks near beans, peas, lentils or any legumes.

  • To blanch your leeks, you can also cover the lower stems with PVC pipe or mound soil or organic mulch around the base.



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Watercress

The peppery taste of watercress brings the pizzazz to sandwiches, winter dishes & garnishes. The high content of Calcium, Iron & Vitamins make watercress a super-healthy option.

Perilla

A widely used ingredient in Asian cooking, it's highly nutritious and beautiful to look at too. Here's how to grow perilla in the garden or in pots.

Swede

Here's a guide on how to grow swedes in the garden or pots.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.

Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix

Specially formulated for trouble-free seed raising in trays (or outdoor seed sowing direclty into the ground) and propagation of cuttings.