The leek is possibly the most versatile member of the onion family. It delivers the most nutrients, adds just as much punch to soups, stews and salads, and performs better as a solo vegetable. Loosen the soil with a spading fork, then carefully pull the plants from the ground. Dig mature leeks with a shovel or spading fork rather than pulling them, as they damage easily. Seal the leeks in plastic bags and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Leeks keep much better in the ground than they do in storage.
In places where the ground freezes, mulch the plants with organic matter after the first frost. Try cooking and serving young leeks just as you would asparagus. Inc. How things get done. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .