Leeks

Scribbler · « **on:** December 11, 2007, 09:36 »

I think DD posted something about sowing leek seed in a cat litter tray with holes punched in the bottom. Compost was from grow bags, and the seeds were planted about an inch apart, half an inch deep, in the greenhouse.

I cut and pasted this into Word and the info is now in my rapidly swelling garden folder. Only problem is I don't think you mentioned when to sow. I've tried the SEARCH facility but can't find this anywhere.

My guess is March maybe?

DD. · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2007, 09:48 »

Spot on!

But don't try & punch the holes, you'll crack the tray. Use a hot skewer or something similar to melt your way through.

This is what they look like shortly after germination.

All nicely spaced, can be left undisturbed to grow to pencil thickness & then planted out. I move them outside when about 2-3" high & leave them there to grow on.

It honestly does not take that much time to sow them carefully.

Scribbler · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2007, 10:26 »

Thanks for that DD.

When I had my lottie, my Dad showed me how to dib a hole and puddle them in.

Roll on spring!

DD. · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2007, 10:57 »

If I remember correctly it works out 8 x 12 = 96 per tray. Get nearly 100% germination this way & a packet will last a few years!

Lynne · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2007, 11:12 »

My fellow plot holders have siad to plant leek seeds in January (indoors) is that wrong then ?

gobs · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2007, 11:22 »

No, you sow them, depending when you want them and how late/early that particular variety was. I saw mine in May/June time.

paintedlady · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2007, 11:23 »

The folks I share my plot with did a very early sowing (perhaps it is a particular variety for autumn cropping?) but with the cold wet summer followed by warm autumn, the leeks decided to bolt whereas my later sowing were fattening up just right.

Lynne · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2007, 11:34 »

Quote from: "gobs"

No, you sow them, depending when you want them and how late/early that particular variety was. I saw mine in May/June time.

Thanks for that Gobs. I'm planning to try succession planting with leeks as we eat so many of them. So I'll start some off indoors in January and then try other varieties later.

WG. · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2007, 12:02 »

Leeks sown too early are more likely to bolt before winter sets in.

Answer (a): sow just a few before March to give you some to use early
Answer (b): let them bolt, the young scapes are lovely made into a piccalilli

gobs · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2007, 16:54 »

Summer varieties should be as good as onions for a late Jan sowing, these are thinner leaved and lighter green in colour, to be planted around March-April.

Dobbies've been selling Bulgarian Giant, which is a tall type of leek, can grow to man-hight, fun to try, trouble to get on the bus with.

Motivator · « **Reply #10 on:** December 11, 2007, 20:49 »

If you want leeks for exhibition you can plant them in Late Jan . I did with
mine and i have plenty still in the ground right now .

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WG.