There may be three sowings of Leek made in the open ground in February, March, and April, to insure a succession, and also to make good any failures.  But for most gardens one sowing about the middle of March will be sufficient.  From this sowing it will be an easy matter to secure an early supply, a main crop, and a late crop, for they may be transplanted from the seed-bed at a very early stage, and successive thinnings will make several plantations; and finally, as many can be left in the seed-bed to mature as will form a proper plantation.

==General Cultivation==.—­The Leek will grow in any soil, and when no thicker than the finger is useful; indeed, in many places where the soil is poor and the climate cold it rarely grows larger, but is, nevertheless, greatly valued.  A rich dry soil suits the plant well, and when liberally grown it attains to a great size, and is very attractive, with its silvery root and brilliant green top.  The economical course of management consists in thinning and planting as opportunities occur, beginning as soon as the plants are six inches high, and putting them in well-prepared ground, which should be thoroughly watered previously, unless already softened by rain.  The distance for planting must depend upon the nature of the soil and the requirements of the cultivator.  For an average crop, eighteen inches between the rows and six to nine inches between the plants is sufficient; but to grow large Leeks, they must be allowed a space of twelve to eighteen inches in the rows.  In planting, first shorten the leaves a little (and very little), then drive down the dibber, and put the plant in as deep as the base of the leaves, and close in carefully without pressure.  Water liberally, occasionally stir the ground between plants, and again cut off the tops of the leaves, when the roots will grow to a large size.  If the ground is dangerously damp or pasty, make a bed for the crop with light rich soil, plant on the level and mould up as the growth advances.  On light land, however, it is advisable to grow them in trenches, prepared as for Celery.  The largest and whitest should not be left to battle with storms, but those left in the seed-bed will take no harm from winter weather, and will be useful when the grandees are eaten.  The finest roots that remain when winter sets in may be taken up in good time and stored in dry sand, and will keep for at least a month.  Any that remain over in spring can readily be turned to account.  As the flower-stems rise nip them out; not one should be left.  The result of this practice will be the formation on the roots of small roundish white bulbs, which make an excellent dish when stewed in gravy, and may be used for any purpose in cookery for which Onions or Shallots are employed.  They are called ‘Leek Bulbs,’ and are obtainable only in early summer.