If you want a vegetable that will add a lot of flavor to your dishes, you may want to consider growing leeks. This is one plant that will truly add that extra zing to your cooking with its succulent stems. Although it is from the onion family, it has a small bulb and long stems, while onions are better used as bulbs.
The leek, which looks like an oversized, thick scallion, is a member of the onion family. When cooked, the vegetable is a good source of Vitamin C, and a delicious addition to the stock of stews or soups. Growing leeks is easy in any climate, because the plants are hardy, with few pests, or other associated problems.
Leeks are a biennial allium, whose tribe includes onions, garlic, shallots and chives. This white stalked plant is mild, sweet, onion flavored, with a stronger flavored green top. The success of the plant growth is dependent on cool, but not freezing temperatures for optimal growth cycle. With careful planning and consideration of seasonal temperatures, nitrogen rich soil and adequate moisture, especially in the beginning, growing leeks will be a productive endeavor that adds freshness and health to dining pleasure.
If you are planning to grow leeks in your garden, there are 2 ways you can approach how to get them started. Leeks can be sowed directly outdoors from seeds, or you can give them a jump-start in a germinating container indoors and transplant them.
