Sow in the late winter and thin to 3 inches between plants. Leeks don't bulb as regular onions but must be blanched much as celery is, hilling the soil around them. They can be planted in trenches 4 to 6 inches deep. Pull the soil around them as they grow. To use the leek, trim the ends, slice lengthwise, and wash thoroughly under running water.
Leeks are excellent in stews, soups, and with stir-fry vegetables.
Shallots usually don't set seeds. A hardy plant that can overwinter, shallots are still best if lifted at season's end and planted in small cloves the following year. They add a delicate flavor to vinaigrette salad dressing and in sour cream as a dip. They are also very good on baked potatoes and as a vegetable seasoning. Insects Onions can generally be grown insect-free.