Leek is a vegetable crop native to the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. They’re a hardy plant that belongs to the Amaryllis family.
Leek has an onion-like flavor and is widely used for culinary purposes worldwide. They’re known to add flavor and taste to many food dishes.
It also has medicinal benefits. The presence of Vitamin K helps improves bone strength. Moreover, they’re high in fiber, low in calories, and have zero fat.
In this article, we’ll look at Leek’s best companion plants and their growth requirements. We also discuss some pests and diseases to be taken care of to help increase their longevity.
Why Does Leek Need Companion Plants?
To understand why Leek needs companion planting, let’s first understand what companion plants are!
Companion planting is an ancient practice for growing various plants together. It increases productivity when placed close to other plants. When grown together, they help boost soil nutrients, attract beneficial pollinators, repel pests, keep weeds out, prevent soil erosion, provide ground cover, and add color to your garden.
Now that you have understood what companion planting is, I’m sure you would want to know which are the best Companion plants of Leek. In the next section of the article, we will do just that.
8 Best Leek Companion Plants
In this section, we will mention the best companion plants which, when grown together, would help Leek grow and thrive better under certain growing conditions.
Let’s get into it.
1. Carrots
Carrots are one of the best companions for Leeks. Leeks emit a scent that repels pests like carrot flies, while carrots produce a scent that deters pests that can affect leeks, such as onion flies. Planting leeks and carrots together can help protect each other from these pests.
Carrots and Leeks complement each other when it comes to growth habits. Leeks grow vertically, while carrots develop underground. This would mean that they utilize different levels of the soil. So wouldn’t compete for space and nutrients.
Carrots and Leeks have different root structures. Leeks have shallow roots, while carrots have deeper taproots. This diversity of root systems helps loosen the soil for better air circulation and enhances nutrient intake, thereby increasing plant growth.
Also, Carrots and Leeks, when planted together, will help improve the flavor of the latter plant.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes can benefit leeks when planted alongside them for several reasons.
One of them is the fact that they have complementary pest-repellent properties. Leeks contain natural compounds that repel pests like aphids, carrot flies, and onion flies, which can also affect tomatoes. So they will help protect each other from common pests when planted together.
Tomatoes grow vertically, while leeks, with their long, slender stalks, grow upright. Because of this difference in the growth habits of these two plants, you can make efficient use of your garden space.
Since Tomatoes grow quite tall and develop dense foliage, they provide shade to the soil beneath them and the nearby plants. Leeks, which grow to no more than a foot or two in length, can benefit from the shade provided by tomatoes. This helps reduce weed growth, conserve soil moisture, and create a more favorable microclimate for leeks.
3. Celery
Celery contains natural compounds that act as a natural deterrent against pests like carrot flies, while leeks deter pests such as onion flies, as previously mentioned. By planting celery and leeks together, you can create a more pest-resistant environment for both plants.
Celery and leeks require similar soil conditions. They both thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Their similar soil requirements make them perfect companions.
Celery loosens the soil, which can help Leeks grow and thrive much better.
4. Beets
Beets produce taproots meaning their roots grow vertically downward. Their roots penetrate deep into the soil, breaking up the soil and allowing for better water and nutrient absorption. This can help increase soil aeration, drainage, and overall soil health, which can prove beneficial for Leek.
Both plants have similar water requirements. Both prefer consistent soil moisture, so it makes your job of maintaining them a lot easier.
Also, both of them prefer consistent soil moisture. So, you must water them regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure optimal growth.
5. Strawberries
Leeks grow vertically. Strawberries, a low-growing plant, on the other hand, spread horizontally. When you plant them together, you can utilize both vertical and horizontal space, thus maximizing productivity.
Strawberries repel certain pests, such as nematodes and some insects. By planting it alongside leeks, you can deter pests that can be potentially harmful to Leeks.
The contrasting textures and colors of leeks and strawberries can enhance your garden’s visual appeal and make it beautiful to look at.
6. Marigolds
Marigolds are a natural pest repellent. They repel various pests, including aphids, nematodes, and certain beetles. So, placing them with Leek will deter these pests from laying their hands on leeks.
Not only do Marigolds deter pests, but they also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. So when you plant them alongside Leeks, it will help increase the latter’s productivity.
The roots of the marigold plants release certain compounds that deter or suppress the growth of the harmful soil nematodes, which can otherwise be quite harmful to leeks.
7. Rosemary
Some gardeners believe that planting rosemary near leeks can enhance the flavor of the leeks. It’s not without reason because the aromatic oils released by the rosemary plant may impart a subtle and pleasing taste to the leeks when grown close to each other.
With its deep root system, Rosemary can help improve soil structure, aeration, and drainage, allowing for better water and nutrient penetration. This can indirectly support the growth of leeks by creating a healthier growing environment.
Rosemary’s strong fragrance can repel various pests, including aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage loopers. This reduces the likelihood of them affecting the leeks.
8. Brassicas
Brassicas are a lot taller and broader than leeks. They can grow up to be as much as a meter long. This height difference can be a shade to the shorter Leek plants, which helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. It can also protect leeks from excessive heat and sun exposure, especially during hot summer.
The contrasting shapes, textures, and colors of leeks and brassicas can create an aesthetically pleasing garden bed.
6 Worst Companion Plants For Leek
Leeks can thrive with many plants. However, there are some plants that, when grown with Leek, may compete with each other.
Here are the worst companion plants that don’t work well with Leek.
1. Beans
Beans emit chemicals that can limit the growth of beans when planted in the same place. If grown together can result in the stunting of Leek.
Both Leeks and Beans have different growing conditions. It is better to avoid planting them together.
2. Peas
Peas release chemicals that limit the growth of Leeks. If planted in the same place, it can affect Leeks’ growth.
Peas attract harmful bugs. So to avoid damage, it’s best to avoid planting Peas alongside Leek.
3. Rutabaga
Rutabaga, when planted with Leeks, results in competing for nutrients. It is better not to grow them together.
Therefore, they are bad companion plants.
4. Cabbage
When planted with Leeks, cabbage would compete for soil nutrients. So, it’s better not to grow them together.
Cabbage and leeks have somewhat different nutrient requirements. Cabbage is a heavy feeder, requiring a lot of nitrogen, while leeks have more moderate nutrient needs. So, when planted together, they would compete with each other and deplete the soil’s nitrogen levels, potentially affecting the growth and development of the leeks.
5. Cauliflower
Cauliflower and leeks need a lot of space for their leaves to develop fully. When planted together, they can compete for space, sunlight, and nutrients, resulting in stunted growth and reduced productivity for both plants.
Both belong to the same plant family, Brassicaceae. Planting them close to each other can complicate crop rotation which is essential to prevent the buildup of diseases and pests specific to this family and increase the risk of disease-carrying over from season to season.
6. Asparagus
Asparagus and Leeks have different growth habits and spacing requirements. So, if planted together, they would compete for space, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields for both plants.
Asparagus and leeks have different harvesting seasons. Asparagus is typically harvested in the spring and early summer, while leeks are harvested in late summer and fall. This can make it difficult for you to manage both of them together.
What Are Leek’s Growing Requirements?
Every gardener needs to understand the growing requirements when planting certain plants in the garden; let’s look at the Leek plant’s growing conditions:
1. Sun
The growing requirement for the plant leek begins with the sun’s needs. Leeks require full sunlight to thrive and grow. They need seven to eight hours of sunlight to reach their full potential.
2. Soil
Soil is an essential factor for plants to thrive well. Leeks perform best in moist soil with a pH of 6 to 7.
Leeks prefer well-drained and fertile soil. Soil that is heavy or prone to waterlogging should be avoided as this can lead to root rot.
3. Water
Leeks require consistent moisture, especially during dry months of the year. They require adequate watering for their growth and bulb development.
It’s important that you keep the soil moist but not waterlogged for reasons that I have mentioned already.
4. Fertilizer
Leeks need a balanced supply of nutrients. So, during the growing season, you must add compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support their growth.
5. Spacing
Leeks require a proper amount of spacing to develop large, well-formed bulbs. You should ideally plant them about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart in rows spaced approximately 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
Adequate spacing allows each leek plant to receive sufficient sunlight, nutrients, and airflow, reducing the risk of diseases.
Grass Diseases And Pests
As with any vegetable plant, pests and diseases can take hold if not adequately cared for.
Understanding the basic requirements to deal with diseases and preventing them is essential to keep Leeks healthy.
Here are some of the diseases and pests that occur with Leeks.
Diseases
- Leaf Blight
- Downy Mildew
- Pink Root
- Purple Blotch
- White Rot
- Damping Off
Pests
- Onion Maggot
- Leafminers
- Thrips
Remedies to Protect Leeks From Diseases And Pests
The question that might be uppermost in your mind now is how to get rid of the pests and diseases mentioned above!
Here I have outlined some remedies and preventive measures you can take to protect Leeks from pests and diseases.
- Applying herbal treatments such as neem oil can help treat garden pests.
- Use insecticide sprays if you find any spots in the leaves.
- It’s better to uproot the plants in case of nematode attacks.
- Proper air circulation is required to avoid fungal growth.
Conclusion
Hope this article on Leek’s eight best companion plants will help you decide on the plant you want to grow alongside it. At the same time, it’s important to remember the plants you should avoid pairing with these vegetable plants.
By understanding companion planting and growing requirements and implementing preventive measures, you can have a thriving and productive garden that can be the envy of your neighbors.
Enjoy planting!