HERB HERBERT

SPECIAL INTEREST HERBS

Did you know that were ROPERTIES the bottom of the first set of supposedly worn in ancient times This variety contains lea ves. Repeat this process by King Cadwaladr’s soldiers for some Vitamin C and through out the growing leeks life. identification purposes? The \ B6, manganese and a This process keeps the stalk white vegetable is also noted in small amount of iron and folate. and it also gives the support. Shakespeare’s plays, where he refers Harvest when the stem is to wearing as being an ancient approximately 2.5 cm / 1 in. in tradition. ROWTH diameter. Plant in spring after the last chance of ESCRIPTION frost and when the ULTIVATION Being a member of is easy to work. The ideal soil is Likes rich, damp soil, the family, the organic and a ph of 7. Plant Leeks and sunny protected Leek has a slightly 46 cm / 18 inches apart and at inter- position with mild onion taste but vals, mound soil up around the additional phosphate. Soil should is said to be a more fine, slightly shoot to not be freshly manured with sweeter taste than the average organic manures, as this is likely to onion. Leeks have two main encourage rot and the place sections, the , which are flat where the are planted and green and the white onion should be moved every year, to base / light green stalk. However, prevent a build up of fungal only the stalk is edible and it is . If the soil has too much usually sliced into fine, ½ cm - 1 clay, build the bed up to allow cm / 0.2 - 0.4 in thick pieces. some drainage. Leeks prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil (7 ph). They can be grown from cold mountainous regions to the

T P/L SES tropics. In more Southern Leeks can be eaten regions, where days are longer, in a variety of growth is promoted and

C HERB HERBER different ways. They flowering discourages. can be used in fried vegetable should be well drained but moist dishes and may be left uncooked in the growing . when used in salads. They are should be sown in spring and then perhaps better known for their in monthly intervals. If seed is use in unavailable or a more instant soups, such as result is desired, are now potato soups available in your local garden and can be center. Take this fact sheet in to harvested all show your local nursery year round as needed. personnel.

Any enquiries can be directed to: HERB HERBERT P/L PO Box 24 Monbulk Victoria 3793 Australia E-mail: [email protected] This Herb description is for informal use only; we cannot accept any liability for any harm or illness arising from the misuse of the plant described above www.herbherbert.com