How to grow leeks in a raised bed

Leeks are the patient, hardy cousin of the onion — sweet, mild and happy right through the cold months when little else is going. A raised bed makes the blanching trick easy.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 15 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 4–6 months

When to plant: Plant seedlings from spring through autumn for a long harvest across the cooler months. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Plant seedlings into a deep hole and let it fill in naturally, or mound mix up around the stems as they grow — this 'blanching' gives you more of the tender white stem.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for tender stems, and feed for steady growth. A raised bed's depth suits their long white shanks.

Common pests: keep an eye out for thrips and aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are rust and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Leeks and carrots protect each other from pests; keep them away from beans and peas. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Harvest from when they're pencil-thick onwards — they hold well in the bed, so lift them as you need them through winter.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Schlaghecken Josef, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.