How often should leeks be watered?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Watering leeks isn't about habit; it's about observing the soil and seasons. In my clay beds in Colorado, I can water every week at 1 inch. In the sand in Arizona, I need to either water it 3 times a week (a smaller amount) or do light soakings. A rain gauge is your best friend. Leeks prefer consistency, not flooding and drought.
Sandy Soils
- Water 0.5 inches every 3 days
- Use drip lines to prevent nutrient washout
- Mulch with straw to retain moisture
Clay Soils
- 1 inch weekly via soaker hoses
- Check drainage with a 12-inch deep test hole
- Aerate monthly with broadfork
Signs of Trouble
- Yellow tips: Overwatering
- Wilting at noon: Underwatering
- Split stems: Sudden water surges
Drought stress before harvest heightens flavor levels. Stop irrigation 14 days before harvesting leeks. This simulates a natural dry period and concentrates sugars in the wood (or plant). I have recorded 18% higher brix levels using this method. Cheers, and happy cooking! Store-bought leeks will never have this level of caramelized sweetness!
Watering in the winter is not the same. For those in Zones 7-9, or areas where it does not rain, water once a month. For frozen ground, no water is needed. The results from my leek trials in Washington State show that leeks mulched with cedar chips can survive 4 months without added water, as they take up moisture from the fog and morning dew.
Avoid evening irrigation. Wet leaves overnight promote rust fungus. I irrigate early in the morning and try to have my leeks dry by noon. A five-dollar soil moisture meter takes the mystery out of the choice, 40% means it is time to drink. Your leeks will stand up straighter.
Read the full article: How to Grow Leeks: Beginner's Guide to Sweet Harvests
