LEEKS and ONIONS
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The mild onion flavor of leeks makes them a delicious addition to
salads and soups, and they are the easiest to grow of all the alliums.
Leeks grow best at temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees F in
well-drained, fertile soils enriched with organic matter. Follow these
growing tips:

* In northern regions, sow leeks indoors 12-14 weeks before the last
frost date. Transplant the pencil-thin seedlings into the garden 2
weeks before the frost date. In southern regions, sow seeds indoors in
July or August to harvest through the late fall and winter and
transplant about 10 weeks later.

* Set seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
Plant them 6 inches deep, but don't fill the holes with soil. Let that
happen naturally over the season. Planting leeks deeply helps blanch
the lower stems for a more tender, sweeter flavor.

* Leeks need lots of nitrogen, so sidedress with cottonseed meal or
apply liquid fish emulsion a week after transplanting and again one
month later.

* Harvest leeks at any size. Cut off the top leaves in a "V" shape to
keep them from wilting.
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