270 



GARDEN FARMING 



quite distinct from that of any of its close relatives. It is known 

 as Allium pornim, but is coarse and more robust than most other 

 garden alliums '(as is indicated by figure 98). 



Cultivation. This hardy, long-season plant thrives best on rich 

 but well-drained garden soils. Alluvial soils, and mucks in which 

 the organic matter has not become so finely divided as to become 

 sticky, are well suited to it. It is propagated entirely from seed, 



FIG. 98. Leek 



which is much like that of the onion both in shape and in appear- 

 ance. For the main crop the seed should be sown at the same 

 time as early radishes, either broadcast in beds from which the 

 plants are to be transplanted later, or better, in drills where the 

 plants are to mature. 



The lower part of the stem of the leek is the edible portion, and 

 to render this mild and tender it is necessary that it be produced 

 underground. This is accomplished in either of two ways : (i) by 

 sowing the seed in furrows from 4 to 6 inches deep, covering it 

 with about f inch of soil, and after the plants have been thinned 



