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 should I plant leeks?

Plant seedlings from spring through autumn for a long harvest across the cooler months. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): February to July
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): August to March
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): September to February
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): March to May
• Arid inland: February to July

How do I grow leeks 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.

How often should I water and feed leeks?

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

What pests attack leeks?

Keep an eye out for thrips and aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect leeks?

The main ones are rust and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with leeks?

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

When do I harvest leeks?

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 garden 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: Lucyin (Lucien Mahin), own work, 2013, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.