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How to sow leek seeds outdoors

How to sow leek seeds outdoors

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Thursday, 28 February 2019 at 11:38 am

Find out how to sow leeks directly outdoors, with the help of our three-step guide.

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Sowing leeks in April means strong, sturdy plants that will stand well over the winter.

Discover how to weather-proof your veg crops.

Traditionally, leeks are sown into nursery rows, then transplanted to their final growing position after a few weeks. This means they can fill the space freed up once other crops, such as new potatoes or spring cabbages, have been harvested.

Here's how to sow leeks outdoors.

You Will Need

Leek seeds
Bamboo cane
Watering can
Hoe

Step 1

Sowing leek seeds

Make a shallow drill with a cane or the edge of hoe in well-raked soil. Water the base of the drill before evenly sowing the seeds.

Step 2

Covering leek seeds with soil

Carefully cover the seeds with soil, then tamp down gently to make sure the seeds are in direct contact with the soil above them.

Step 3

Watering the soil

The drill should be slightly lower than the surrounding soil, so whenever you water it the moisture gravitates to the seeds.

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