Leek 'Jolant'

Where to Plant
Plant Leek 'Jolant' in a sunny position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Leeks grow best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil, so if you know your soil is strongly acidic, it's worth testing the pH before making any adjustments. Before planting, remove weeds and work in plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure. Leeks remain in the ground for several months, so good soil preparation will support steady growth and help produce strong, substantial stems.

Planting
Level the soil before planting, then use a dibber to make a hole slightly larger than the seedling's root ball. Space plants around 15cm apart, with approximately 30cm between rows. Carefully lower each leek into the hole, taking care not to bend or damage the roots or growing tip. Don't fill the hole back in or firm the soil around the plant. Instead, fill the planting hole with water and leave the seedling to settle naturally. It may look a little wonky at first, but it will straighten up as it grows. This helps protect the growing tip and encourages long, straight leeks rather than damaged or misshapen stems.

Watering & Feeding
Keep newly planted leeks well watered while they establish, particularly during warm or dry weather. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells but avoid allowing the ground to become waterlogged. Consistent moisture while plants are actively growing helps them develop thick, tender stems.

Leeks benefit from fertile soil and have a long growing season. Well-rotted compost or manure incorporated before planting will provide a good start. If growth needs a boost while plants are actively developing, apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser, following the manufacturer's recommended rate.

Blanching the Stems
The white part of a leek develops where the stem is protected from light. As 'Jolant' grows, carefully earth up around the stems in stages to encourage a longer, well-blanched white shank. Take care not to bury the leaves or allow loose soil to fall into the centre of the plant, where it can become trapped between the leaf layers.

Pests & Problems
Leek moth and allium leaf miner can damage leeks by tunnelling into the leaves and stems. Where these pests are a problem, covering plants with fine insect-proof mesh before the adult insects are active can help prevent them from reaching the crop.

Leeks can also be affected by rust, which appears as orange-brown spots on the leaves. Give plants adequate spacing for good airflow, keep the growing area weed free and remove badly affected leaves if necessary.

Good Companions
Leek 'Jolant' can be grown alongside crops such as carrots, beetroot, lettuce and spinach. Its upright growth takes up relatively little horizontal space, making leeks useful for fitting into mixed vegetable beds and raised beds alongside lower-growing crops.

Make the Most of Your Growing Space
Because leeks develop slowly and remain in the ground for a long period, plan their position so faster-growing neighbouring crops can be harvested without disturbing the leek roots. Keep enough space around the plants for easy weeding, earthing up and harvesting later in the season.

Crop Rotation
Leeks belong to the allium family, along with onions, garlic and shallots. Avoid growing alliums in exactly the same area year after year. Rotating them with other vegetable groups helps reduce the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases and is particularly useful for managing problems such as white rot.

After Harvest
Harvest leeks individually as you need them, leaving the remaining plants in the ground until required. Loosen the soil around the stem with a garden fork before lifting rather than pulling hard on the leaves, particularly in firm ground, to avoid damaging the leek.

Top Tip:
Earth up 'Jolant' gradually as it grows rather than piling soil around the stems all at once. This helps produce a longer white shank while reducing the chance of soil becoming trapped between the leaves.

When to Harvest
Start harvesting 'Jolant' from late autumn once the stems have reached a good size. The plants stand well through winter, so there's no need to lift the whole crop at once. Take the largest leeks first and leave smaller plants in the ground to continue developing.

Choosing Your Leeks
Look for thick, well-developed stems and lift them as you need them. Younger leeks are particularly tender, while larger plants give you substantial white shanks that are excellent for hearty winter cooking.

How to Harvest
Push a garden fork into the soil a short distance from the stem and gently loosen the roots before lifting the leek. Avoid simply pulling hard on the leaves, particularly in firm ground, as this can damage the plant.

After Lifting
Trim away the roots and any damaged outer leaves, then wash thoroughly to remove soil. Pay particular attention between the leaf layers, where soil can sometimes become trapped.

Top Tip:
Leave leeks in the ground until you need them where conditions allow. 'Jolant' stands well through winter, so you can lift fresh stems for the kitchen rather than harvesting the whole crop at once.

Flavour & Texture
'Jolant' has an excellent mild flavour and produces tall, dense white shanks with a tender texture. Both the white shank and tender pale-green parts can be used for cooking.

Best Enjoyed
Slice into soups, stews and casseroles, bake into pies and gratins or gently sauté with butter for a simple side dish. Leeks also pair particularly well with potatoes, cheese, cream, chicken and other winter vegetables.

Preparing Your Leeks
Trim the roots and tougher dark-green leaf ends before cooking. Slice the stem lengthways or into rounds and wash thoroughly between the layers to remove any trapped soil.

Storage
Freshly lifted leeks can be kept in the fridge for several days, but they're best used soon after harvesting. Where conditions allow, leave unneeded plants in the ground and lift them fresh as required.

Freezing
Leeks can be frozen for later use in cooked dishes. Wash and slice the stems, blanch briefly, cool and drain thoroughly before freezing in convenient portions.

Plug Plants & Seedlings
Our plug plants and seedlings are healthy young plants ready to grow on or plant into their final growing position, depending on the crop. Handle them carefully when planting, water thoroughly afterwards and keep the soil evenly moist while they establish.

Garden Ready Plants
Our Garden Ready plants have been professionally grown on, making them larger and more established. They're ready to plant straight into their final growing position, giving you a useful head start towards your harvest.

Upon Arrival
Remove your plants from their packaging as soon as they arrive and check the moisture level. Water if needed and plant as soon as possible. If you can't plant immediately, keep them in a sheltered position and don't allow the roots or compost to dry out.