Leek Hannibal
Leeks do require a bit more effort to grow than other types of veg. You are going have to sow, then dig them up to transplant to their final growing positions.
But once they've grown you can leave them in the ground right through the winter when there's not much else around, ready to dig up as you want them.
Time from seed to plate: 28 weeks
Sowing Calendar
Sow
Sow leek seeds directly into your soil in April. Lay a narrow piece of wood across your bed and drag a trowel along the edge to create a shallow groove in the soil about 1/2in deep. Sprinkle in the seeds, aiming for one every half inch or so. One row is all you need right now because you're going to dig them up later to put in their final growing positions. Firm the soil back and water well.
Grow
The thin grassy stems of your leeks will soon emerge. Keep them protected from slugs. Thin to 1in spacings if a lot come up.
Once they've reached 8in tall - round about June - it's time to transfer them to their final growing positions. Dig them all up, and shake/wash off any big clumps of soil. Make a series of 6in deep hole in your soil with a dibber, leaving 6in between plants. Pick the biggest plants and drop one into each hole. Fill each hole with water. Don't worry about filling the hole with soil the leek will grow to fill it!
If you've got any spares at this stage, they're delicious chargilled. Toss with a little olive oil and lemon juice and bung on the barbie.
After transplanting, leeks largely look after themselves, but try to keep them moist and well weeded. If you like the sweet white shanks on your leeks, build up soil around the stems as they grow.
Harvest
Lift your leeks with a fork from October to Feb as you need them. Don't pull them, although it's tempting, because they will snap!