How to grow Leek in the UK
Allium ampeloprasum
Leek (Allium ampeloprasum) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Brilliant winter crop — sits in the ground for months. Plant deep for long white shanks. This guide covers when and how to sow Leek, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Leek
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan Harvest | Feb Harvest | Mar Sow · Harvest | Apr Harvest | May | Jun Plant | Jul | Aug | Sep Harvest | Oct Harvest | Nov Harvest | Dec Harvest |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Fertile, free-draining soil enriched with garden compost
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.0 (neutral)
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 1 cm (seedbed)
- Spacing
- Transplant 15 cm apart, rows 30 cm
- Sowing
- Sow Mar–Apr; drop seedlings into 15 cm dibber holes and water in to blanch stems
- Growing
- Earth up for longer white shanks
- Harvest & upkeep
- Very hardy — lift through autumn and winter as needed
- Watch for
- Leek moth, rust, white rot
Companion planting for Leek
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
Add Leek to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Leek FAQs
When should I sow Leek in the UK?
In the UK, sow Leek in March. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Leek?
Leek grows well alongside Beetroot, Carrot, Celery, Lettuce, Onion, Strawberry. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Leek?
Keep Leek away from Asparagus, Asparagus Pea, Broad Bean, Dwarf French Bean, Lupin, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Leek need?
Leek prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Leek ready to harvest?
Leek is typically ready to harvest in January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December in the UK.
Is Leek easy to grow?
Moderate. Brilliant winter crop — sits in the ground for months. Plant deep for long white shanks.