Leek

Leek (Allium porrum) is a hardy allium that can keep the kitchen supplied with fresh vegetables practically all year round — summer varieties are harvested from August, while winter ones stand in the bed even under snow. Start it indoors from January to March and plant it deep into trenches; earthing up soil around the stems gradually blanches them white. It needs rich soil and regular watering. Like all alliums it repels the carrot fly, which makes it the perfect neighbour for carrots — a classic pairing in one bed.