Organic Farmer Network: Network Discussion Summary

Topic: Leeks

Favorite Leek varieties

This is Cathy’s favorite vegetable. She grew 7 varieties last year. She likes King Richards the best (Fedco and Turtle Tree have them). Electra did really well. She starts them in seed flats in the greenhouse in January and transplants them out after 12 weeks.

Mark’s choice is Laura. He plants in early spring and harvests in fall.

Summer’s not too hot for them for Nicolas or for Ellen, but Ken thinks it may be for him. Ken has not had good success with leeks. Did them for an overwintered crop for spring harvest. Didn’t hill up over them enough. They grew well, but had long tops. He sold the tops anyway.

Tadorna survives quite well over winter for Nicolas. Leeks grow and sell really well for Nicolas, but weeds really take over.

Cathy mulches them with leaves (Ellen recommended that some time ago).

Nicolas grow Rikor. It has a tall white shank. He gets 50 cents a piece for small ones.

Alvin has real good bunching leek that dies out in the summer and then in the fall comes on strong and hard and big.