Puerros

To sow leeks under cover, it's best to do so in spring, around March. Choose a container about 10 cm deep and fill it with good quality potting soil. Make shallow furrows about 10 cm apart. Arrange the leek seeds, spacing them evenly.

Cover the seeds with a thin layer of potting soil and pack lightly. Water gently to moisten the soil, without drowning the seeds. Place the container under cover or in a greenhouse to maintain a constant temperature.

Make sure the young leek plants get enough natural light and water them regularly to keep the soil moist. When the plants reach a few centimetres in height, you can transplant them into the ground, spacing them about 10 cm apart.

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By following these simple tips, you'll be able to grow beautiful, healthy and tasty leeks to enhance your dishes all year round.

To sow leeks outdoors, it's best to wait until late winter or early spring, when temperatures warm up. Prepare the soil by working it deeply, so that it is well aerated. Avoid using chemical fertilisers, preferring instead a natural amendment such as compost or well-decomposed manure.

Create furrows about 1 to 2 cm deep and space the leek seeds about 10 cm apart. Cover them lightly with soil and then gently pack down. Be sure to water the seedbed regularly, but not excessively so as not to rot the seeds.

It is important to monitor the growth of the leeks and thin out if necessary, keeping only the most vigorous plants, making sure to leave around 10 to 15 cm between each plant. Leeks can be susceptible to pests, especially onion flies. To protect them naturally, you can plant tagetes or carrots nearby, which act as natural repellents.

To plant leeks in the ground, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid soil that is too compact or too wet. Favour a south or south-west exposure. If the soil is not deep enough, you can transplant the leeks to encourage their root development.

Wait until the plants reach around 15 cm in height before transplanting. Make a deep hole in the ground and plant the leeks, spacing them about 10 cm apart. Pack the soil lightly around the plants. Thebest time to plant leeks is in spring (March-April) for harvesting in autumn and winter. Avoid planting in summer, as the heat can compromise leek growth. In winter, leeks can also be planted for an early harvest the following spring.

Water leeks regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid excess water. Mulch around the plants to limit weeds and keep the soil moist. Leeks are undemanding plants, but they do appreciate organic mulching around the base to help them grow well.

Leeks can be harvested from late summer to spring depending on their variety. To check if they are ready, simply lift them slightly to see if the bulb is sufficiently developed. To harvest them, we recommend gently pulling them up by twisting the stem slightly to detach them from the soil. It's best to harvest them as and when you need them, as leeks keep very well in the ground. They can be left in the ground for several months without wilting. It is advisable to cover them with a layer of straw to protect them from frost in winter. Leeks can be kept for up to 3 weeks in the fridge once harvested, but it is advisable to eat them as fresh as possible to retain their flavour and nutritional properties.