Leeks are an easy to grow and tasty member of the onion family. They can be grown in Cibola County without too much trouble, but to be successful they will require some planning.
Leeks like the same growing conditions as onions. They prefer a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and they like full sun. The seeds should be planted indoors at least ten weeks before the average frost-free date. In the areas around Grants and Milan, the last average frost-free date is roughly mid-May. Once they are about three inches tall, they can be transplanted into sixinch-de ep containers. When they are about the thickness of a pencil and around the time of the last frost date, they can be transplanted outside. There are several methods for planting leeks that you can investigate, but I simply poke the handle of my hoe into the soil and put the plant in. Leave about an inch showing above the soil. Water it well and the soil will wash in around the plant. Plant your leeks from four to eight inches apart. As they get larger, you can hill up the soil around the plant. If you can grow onions, you will have no problem growing leeks.
There are many varieties from which to choose. I like to grow Musselburgh leeks. They have a nice mild flavor, can get quite large, and are also very cold hardy. They can be a bit of a challenge to grow because they require 130 days from transplanting. There are leeks that require as little as eighty days if that works better in your locality.
Leeks can be used in any way you would use onions. If you have someone in your household that objects to the strong smell and taste of onions, they may enjoy the milder flavor of leeks. I have had many onions make me cry, but never has a leek made me cry.
Make a place for leeks in your garden this year. You will enjoy their flavor and the challenge of growing them.
Mr. Archibald is a Sandoval County Master Gardener who lives and works in Cibola County. As a Master Gardener he assists the Cibola County Cooperative Extension Service in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents. If you have any gardening questions, please call the Cibola County Cooperative Extension at 505-287-9266.