Plant Leeks. A complete study for a successful, profitable and sustainable investment.

Planting Leeks is more than a conventional agricultural option. Because?

• Throughout history, this ancient herbaceous plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family has had a curiously important career in food, medicine, ornamentation and commerce.
• The genus Allium Porrum (Leek) has been known, valued and consumed since Ancient Egypt, and in the Far East and Europe. It brings together between 500 and 700 species, among which we also have garlic (Allium Sativum), and onion (Allium Cepa).
• In Ancient Egypt, planting leeks was of vital importance for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Hieroglyphs have been found in the pyramids that show the regular consumption of leeks by the workers and slaves who worked on these mega constructions.
• In Ancient Rome, it is believed that Emperor Nero consumed it in broths to tone his voice. Hippocrates, for his part, recommended it to increase breast milk production, to relieve menstrual pain and as a natural diuretic.
• In the Middle Ages, planting leeks was a sine qua non to alleviate famines and treat ailments such as relieving respiratory complications and urinary conditions, among many others.
• Today, we find that planting leeks represents a great sustainable and profitable opportunity for farmers on large areas of land and growers on smaller scales, because due to its multiple qualities, this vegetable favors us in ecological and regenerative planting systems, in addition to its low input requirements, among other characteristics that we will study in this space.

Plant Leeks to take advantage of their medicinal properties.

• These vegetables are a natural diuretic, as they contain high water and potassium content, low in sodium, and this is very beneficial for us to eliminate fluids and toxins, especially for those who have anomalies such as high blood pressure and fluid retention.
• As they are rich in dietary fiber, especially Inulin, which we will discuss later, they promote the growth of beneficial bacteria for the intestine. These bacteria improve our digestion and help prevent constipation.
• Leeks contain compounds that help us strengthen the immune system such as Allicin (we will also refer to this substance later), and increase resistance to contracting infections.
• Its antioxidant components such as flavonoids reduce our levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and help control blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Leeks are very beneficial, especially during pregnancy, as they are rich in folic acid (folates), an essential vitamin for the proper development of the fetus and the prevention of congenital malformations.
• As they are rich in vitamin K and high in fiber, leeks are vital nutrients for our bone health. Its regular consumption helps us strengthen bones and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.
• Likewise, due to their high fiber content and low calorie content, they make us feel full and consuming them helps us control weight and avoid excess caloric intake.

Agronomic Characteristics of Leek Cultivation.

• When we make the decision to plant leeks, it is important that we know a little about this wonderful vegetable that will benefit us beyond the commercial and profitable field. Leeks are rustic vegetables and adaptable to various climates even though they prefer warm to cool temperatures, and towards cold ones.
• In order to obtain optimal growth, we must plant them in soils that range between 15° and 25°C, and yet they could withstand light frosts with temperatures down to -5°C, as long as the exposure to sunlight is direct or in semi-shade, covering the base of each plant with the appropriate substrate and with the protection of biodegradable paper mulch, controlling irrigation to achieve moderate humidity without excesses, which is one of the effective tasks of mulching. Watering should be done 1 to 2 times a week.
• If we are going to plant leeks in warm climates, we must irrigate between 3 and 4 times a week, drip and towards the roots, to avoid any deterioration, waterlogging and appearance of fungal diseases in the stems or trunks and in the leaf structure.
• Planting leeks is a rewarding, profitable and sustainable project, resistant to different climates and also serves as a natural soil fertilizer.
• We will develop these characteristics of leeks in more detail throughout this guide.

Benefits and function of biodegradable paper mulch for planting high-quality leeks.

• Mulching is a highly recommended innovative technique when we choose to plant leeks, as this material helps us reduce costs, protects and maintains the cultivation process in impeccable conditions from the beginning to harvest, and due to its biodegradable structure it becomes a fertilizer rich in nutrients for the soil and our next crops and we also contribute to the protection of the planet, since we do not generate plastic waste.
• Furthermore, when we adopt the use of biodegradable paper mulch as a sustainable and environmentally friendly practice, we manage to maintain the necessary amount of moisture required by the soil to maintain the balance of the planting, we control the appearance and proliferation of weeds, diseases and pests, we promote the rapid and healthy development of roots, and we achieve an organic and abundant harvest of fresh and healthy vegetables.
• Agricultural mulch, especially made with biodegradable materials such as paper, is one of the most effective techniques to conserve nutrients from both the soil and our crop, and due to its composition, it degrades without leaving unnecessary or toxic residues, which is why it becomes a complete nutrient fertilizer, very important for our next agricultural projects.
• Benefits: Prevents sedge, reduces erosion and prevents compaction, as it protects the soil surface from the direct and unpredictable impact of excessive rain, wind and frost that drops to temperatures that can deteriorate our crops.
• The biodegradable paper padding allows moisture to be preserved. It reduces water evaporation, and in this way benefits us with responsible and intelligent consumption.
• Due to the effect produced by this innovative and sustainable technique, the soil structure will maintain an adequate temperature necessary for the healthy growth of our plants, and also favors the development of the microbial activity that we need in the substrate.

Let’s study how planting leeks benefits us.

At this point we see that the biodiversity of our agricultural ecosystem will be greatly benefited, since we can plant leeks simultaneously with other crops such as carrots and lettuce, interspersing flowers such as marigolds or tagetes around them, to repel pests naturally, attract pollinating insects and birds.

Here we present an interesting link about the Tagetes or Carnation of the Moor:

https://www.hola.com/decoracion/20220221204831/cuidar-tagetes-plantas-exterior-il

We add another link about Marigolds:

https://todohuertoyjardin.es/blog/cultivar-la-calendula-y-sus-propiedades

• Due to their structure, leeks favor and enrich the composition of the soil, since they have a deep root system that allows correct aeration of the substrate and better use of the natural humidity of the soil; They also help break recurrent or latent cycles of pests and diseases of previous crops.
• They are drought-resistant vegetables, so planting leeks is ideal for regions with low water availability and drip irrigation is sufficient.
• Other benefits that this low environmental impact crop brings us is that it does not need synthetic fertilizers (thus reducing the emission of greenhouse gases), it does not require permanent tillage so we reduce the emission of CO₂ due to the use of agricultural machinery.
• It can be grown in local areas, where it is not necessary to implement the use of food transport, and in this way we manage to reduce the carbon footprint emitted by the circulation of these vehicles, and we will reduce costs, in these cases.
• If we grow these vegetables with organic techniques such as compost and well-decomposed, dry and loose manure, we reduce the use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, and by implementing crop rotation with legumes, for example, we manage to fix nitrogen in the soil.

Essential components of leeks, which we should know.

In this study we are drawing on the table all the qualities that this wonderful vegetable provides us. We cannot overlook two of the various essential components that leeks contain and that fulfill specific functions in our body: Inulin and Allicin.

• Inulin: is a type of soluble fiber belonging to the Fructan family. This group of carbohydrates is specifically made up of Fructose molecules and is found in the roots and stems of the vegetables we list below.
• We find inulin naturally, in various vegetables such as onions, garlic, asparagus, green bananas, chicories, artichokes, and leeks, so we can consume and use it directly and without the need to process it.
• In the food industry it is used in the production of processed products such as yogurt, cereal bars and fiber supplements.
• Likewise, it is used as a substitute for fats and sugars as it provides texture and sweetness but not additional calories, and is implemented in the production of dietary and functional foods, which improves intestinal health and digestive processes.
• Inulin contains a low glycemic index, so its metabolism is slow, it controls blood sugar levels: very beneficial for diabetics; It helps reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, while producing a satiety effect, an essential factor in weight control regimens.
• Inulin is not digested in the stomach or small intestine; It reaches the colon intact, where it acts as a prebiotic, feeding and stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microbiome, and promoting the absorption of calcium and magnesium in the body.

• Allicin: it is a sulfur compound that is naturally found in the entire structure of the vegetables that we have noted in the Inulin section.
• Allicin is released and activated when plants are cut, crushed or crushed and hence its strong aroma as it acts as a defense mechanism.
• It has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, strengthens the immune and cardiovascular system, regulates digestion and controls blood sugar, fights infections, colds, flu, and improves circulation and blood pressure.

Let’s start planting leeks step by step.

Preparing the soil:

• We always recommend doing previous crop rotations before the next sowings, to avoid pests or latent or remaining diseases that could harm our plan.
• Likewise, we will study the nature of the land in which we are going to plant leeks, and we will take the necessary measures to balance all the components of the substrate.
• It is very convenient to keep a record of the entire process from its beginning to the final phase, so that it can serve as a record of experiences, achievements and errors in our next agricultural projects.

One month before the start of our planting:

We must incorporate composted chicken manure (high in Nitrogen content), well decomposed, dissolved, dry and loose, wood ash (potassium and minerals), dolomite or ground eggshells (calcium and magnesium).

Let’s examine in detail the concentration of nutrients we need to implement in our soil:

• Nitrogen (N), to enhance the growth of leaves and the healthy and correct formation of the stem.
• Potassium (K), to strengthen resistance to diseases, improve the photosynthesis process and form leeks with a high-quality structure.
• Phosphorus (P), so that the root system is solid from the beginning to the last stage of planting.
• Magnesium (Mg), to promote the production of chlorophyll and preserve the intense green color of the leaves.
• Sulfur (S), which favors the formation of the sulfur components responsible for the characteristic aroma and flavor of leeks.
• These vegetables prefer soils that allow adequate growth of their root system; fertile, sandy loam, silt loam, deep, with fluid drainage capacity to avoid flooding and proliferation of fungi.
• In the case of clay or heavy soils, we will add organic matter from compost or well-decomposed, dry and loose manure, and thus avoid possible compaction that could damage both roots and bulbs.
• If our soil is very acidic, we will apply Agricultural Lime or Phosphoric Rock to correct and balance.
• The ideal pH so that they can develop with good quality ranges between 6.0 and 7.5, which will be slightly acidic to neutral.

Two weeks before the start of sowing:

• We are going to add wood ashes and Epsom salts to promote fertility.
• Let’s not forget to make our measurements and keep a continuous record, so that we can correctly control the balance of nutrients, and we can avoid excesses or destabilization in the quantities we are implementing.

Just before the start of sowing:

We will mix the soil well with the compost material and a fertilizer with high Nitrogen content that we noted in this nutrient section, to help the vigorous growth of our leeks.

Varieties of leeks.

Let’s study this classification for planting leeks. Depending on the growing season, we have Summer, Autumn and Winter Leeks.

• Summer Leeks: they are planted in winter or early spring (January to March), to be harvested in summer. These leeks grow quite quickly, they have thinner leaves than the rest and a more tender, thin and elongated stem or stem. They are ideal to be consumed fresh. Summer Leek Varieties: Jolant, Tivoli and Columbus.
• Autumn leeks: they are sown in spring (April to June), to be harvested in autumn. They are more resistant, they tolerate different temperatures, the stem or bole is thicker than the previous ones and they can be preserved very well after harvest. Autumn Leek Varieties: Selecta ELina, Revil and Autumn Giant.
• Winter Leeks: they are planted in spring or summer (July to September), to be harvested during the winter and early spring. They have a thick and robust stem or trunk and are resistant to low temperatures. They are very profitable in markets with winter demand. Winter Leek Varieties: Blauwgroene Winter, Kamusff and Largo de Bulgaria.
• Leeks for commercial use: Varieties for the fresh market: leeks of uniform size and more attractive to the eye are selected. Here we have the following:
  Romil Atal: these are leeks with a short stem or stem and bluish leaves.
  Selecta Elina: Medium stems and very attractive to the eye.
  Revil: with intense and soft tones on the palate.
• Leeks intended for industrial use: They are chosen according to their ease of peeling and yield in kilos per hectare, making them highly productive. Here we present these varieties:
  Kamusff: they are longer leeks and very useful.
  Bulgina: these are easily manipulated and their stem or shaft is straight.
  Bulgarian Largo: this variety is widely used for frozen and dehydrated products.

Plant leeks in seedbeds and direct sowing.

The most recommended and used thing in the case of leeks is to germinate them in seedbeds; This way we can control their initial development with more security and we have the opportunity to choose the best structured seedlings before taking them to the final soil.

How to plant leeks in seedbeds?

• Step 1: we fill the trays with the substrate already prepared in advance.
• Step 2: we place several seeds approximately 1 or 2 cm deep.
• Step 3: we water moderately and control a temperature between 15° and 20°C.
• Step 4: We transplant when they reach a size of 15 cm and the thickness of a pencil. In this step we select the best developed seedlings.

How to plant leeks directly in the ground?

• Step 1: we prepare 2 cm deep furrows.
• Step 2: we place the seeds at a distance of 3 cm from each other.
• Step 3: we cover with a thin layer of soil and do a first light watering to fix the seed and moisten the soil.
• Step 4: when the leeks reach a height of 10 to 15 cm and we see that the stem or bole reaches the thickness of a pencil, we eliminate or reserve the weakest ones to allow an adequate separation between the most robust ones, which should be 15 cm from each other. This is to prevent them from competing for nutrients and growing less uniformly. Between one row or another we are going to keep a distance of 30 cm.
• This agricultural practice used to eliminate less favored plants is called Thinning, and the leeks that we have raised from planting can be used in our kitchens and can also be replanted in other areas, as long as we maintain the required distances so that the plants can have the opportunity to improve their structure and develop healthier and more robust.
• In this phase of sowing is when it is convenient for us to use biodegradable paper mulch, as it is the perfect helper that avoids unnecessary inconveniences throughout the cultivation process.
• When placing the paper padding directly on the ground, we make small holes in the material, leaving a separation of 15 cm between one row and another, and 30 cm between one row and another.
• We fix the edges with soil or fastening staples to prevent the wind from lifting it, and we insert the seeds into each hole.
• In this way we will protect the initial moment, which is vegetative growth, if we sow in direct soil, and if we transplant from the seedbed to the final soil by placing the seedlings in each hole of the paper mulch and leaving only the leaves outside, we will allow them to develop in a totally harmless and safe habitat.
• Paper mulching allows us to maintain correct humidity and adequate aeration and drainage of the soil, prevents the growth and proliferation of weeds and the appearance of fungi that can damage the root system of the plants, preserves balance in the development of our sowing due to possible temperature fluctuations and we will have the great advantage that at the end of the crop it biodegrades, becoming an excellent fertilizer for our next agricultural projects.

Recommendations for the care and maintenance of leek cultivation.

• We have seen that leeks are rustic vegetables and adaptable to diverse climates; However, if we want to achieve an abundant, healthy and profitable harvest, we must take into account some special recommendations.
• Let’s start with irrigation.
• If we decide to plant leeks using biodegradable paper mulch, we will considerably save water consumption, since the mulch conserves the necessary humidity and thus we will only do moderate watering.
• For warm climates we will do 3 or 4 weekly irrigations and for cool climates we only need to irrigate 1 or 2 times a week.
• It is very important that irrigation is done by drip, to avoid waterlogging or leaching, and thus be able to keep the leaves fresh and resistant to the appearance of fungi and diseases favored by excess humidity.

Proper fertilization to plant excellent quality leeks.

Let’s now see what type of fertilization we need to plant leeks with a high level of quality. Let’s look at various organic fertilizers. They produce much healthier and more nutritious results and are equally of optimal quality. We present several options:

• Antes de la siembra, en la fase de crecimiento y al momento del trasplante en caso de haber utilizado semilleBefore sowing, in the growth phase and at the time of transplanting if seedbeds have been used: well decomposed, dry and loose compost in an amount of approximately 5 kg per square meter of soil.ros: el compost bien descompuesto, seco y suelto en una cantidad aproximada a 5 kg por metro cuadrado de suelo.
• During leaf growth we add nettle slurry. We can easily make this natural and ecological fertilizer at home. It contains countless properties that we must consider so that it becomes one of our ecological allies when growing, just like biodegradable paper mulch.

Let’s do a brief study on this wonderful fertilizer:

• Composition of Nettle Manure: as it is an excellent natural fertilizer, it provides Nitrogen (N), which stimulates the growth of healthy and robust leaves and stems. We must apply it every 10 or 15 days but always observing the development of the plants.
• Its Iron (Fe) content strengthens the photosynthesis process and prevents chlorosis.
• This is an insufficiency of the essential element that allows photosynthesis to occur under normal conditions, due to a shortage of nutrients, or due to deterioration or imbalance in the previous preparation of the soil, or excess irrigation, or the unexpected appearance of diseases or pests.

To avoid this deficiency in our plants, we are going to follow the following steps:

• Continually check the color of the leaves.
• Control the pH of the soil and maintain it at adequate levels to allow permanent and balanced nutrient absorption.
• Fertilize in the correct doses with compost and natural minerals.
• Use controlled irrigation to avoid flooding.
• Periodically review soil drainage conditions.
• Detect and control in time the appearance of pests and diseases that may reduce the adequate absorption of nutrients from our crops.
• Nettle Manure also contains Magnesium (Mg), essential for the formation of chlorophyll, Potassium (K), which strengthens the resistance of plants, Salicylic Acid to activate natural defenses, Silica that reinforces the cellular structure of plant tissues.

• To promote stem thickening, every 3 or 4 weeks we will add bat or seabird guano, both contain high phosphorus content and promote a relatively rapid fertilizing effect.
• We have two options: add it in powder form before sowing, or as a tea. In this case we are going to mix 20 grams in 1 liter of water, let it sit for 24 hours and then apply it preferably at ground level. It is advisable to apply this tea once a month and towards the final phase of the crop.
• Another option that we can implement is Phosphorus Rock, especially indicated for acidic soils with a pH below 6.5, since its solubility increases in this type of soil. It is slow releasing and therefore provides phosphorus over long periods of time. We must add it before planting leeks so that it integrates before the planting process.

• When we enter the last phase of our cultivation, we are going to analyze both the development and definitive growth of our plants, as well as the characteristics that the soil presents at this time. Here we must consider applying either guano, bat or seabird tea, or the option of compost or liquid manure tea. In all cases, we must be prudent to avoid excess nutrients that could saturate or reduce the quality of our product, and this is why we must measure pH and the structure of the plants.

Is hilling favorable for planting leeks?

• This is a very common practice that consists of piling up soil around the base of the plants, in order to whiten the stems or shafts, while they develop longer and softer and this is more valued in the markets; In addition, the root system is protected from possible winds and intense cold.
• Very important fact to keep in mind: each plant must have reached a height between 15 and 20 cm in length; If they are smaller we must wait.
• To make hilling, we loosen the soil around the plants and pile it up at each base, covering up to half their height, but not covering the foliage.
• This will allow the stems to whiten as they will not produce the chlorophyll that makes them green. The roots will obtain a greater amount of nutrients if we mix the soil with organic matter.
• We repeat this practice progressively every 2 or 3 weeks and then we will do a light irrigation to allow the nutrients to settle.

Times for harvesting leeks.

When we decide to plant leeks we must choose the variety that best adapts to our waiting requirements, growing area, use of biodegradable paper mulch to avoid unwanted inconveniences during the planting process, and nutrients that we have at our disposal. These factors will be decisive at harvest time because depending on the variety we have chosen, the leeks have a specific formation time. Let’s study:

• In the case of summer leeks, their definitive growth takes between 4 and 5 months. For autumn leeks we must wait between 5 and 6 months, and winter leeks require more training time, so they complete their growth after 6 or 7 months: their stems are thicker and more resistant to the weather.
• The right time to harvest will be when the stem reaches a thickness of 2 to 4 cm and the length, which is the white part of the plant, is 15 to 20 cm.
• If we did the hilling that we have referred to in this space, the stems or shafts will be even longer and whiter, which improves their commercial value.
• We are going to pay special attention to the foliar system in this final phase of sowing; They should be firm and green. Let’s not let them take on a yellowish tone because it is a sign of over-ripening. Ripe leeks have leaves that are just beginning to bend or dry. It will be just the right time to harvest.
• To lift the sowing, loosen the soil around our plants with a garden fork or hoe. Gently hold the base of the stems and pull upwards. We lightly shake off the soil adhering to the roots, trim them and remove the outer leaves.
• In case of soil compaction, we must first irrigate to loosen it.

Conservation and maintenance of leeks once harvested.

• It is not advisable to wash leeks before storing them as they are susceptible to fungal growth. It is enough to just wipe them with a dry cloth to remove traces of dirt.
• At room temperature, in a cool, dry area, they can remain in full vigor for up to approximately 5 days.
• If we store them in refrigerators we can prolong their freshness for up to 3 weeks, wrapped in slightly damp paper in the vegetable drawer.
• If you keep them frozen, we are going to cut them into pieces and pack them in airtight bags.

Common pests and diseases in leek cultivation.

• Here we have put together two links of interest, which inform us in a very clear and simple way about these threats to our leek planting.
• We hope it will help you avoid these inconveniences.
• We recommend keeping a diary of measurements and control of nutrients and development of our leeks from the initial phase until the time of harvest, conservation and storage.

Plagas Y Enfermedades Del Cultivo Del Puerro

https://wikifarmer.com/library/es/article/plagas-enfermedades-y-control-de-malezas-en-los-puerros

Final Considerations.

• Planting leeks is a practice that can transform our way of connecting with these enriching and profitable processes such as small or large-scale agriculture.
• We currently have effective techniques that assist us throughout our cultivation plan, such as biodegradable paper mulching: our safe and reliable assistant that will allow us an ecological, sustainable, profitable, high-quality harvest that is highly valued in the market.
• Going hand in hand with each phase of our agricultural project will be invaluable learning, and planting leeks will become a comforting, stimulating and profitable activity.

So, let’s get to work and good luck!