New Girl

[lainey lou]

Hello everyone!

I'm loving my new 1/2 plot which I took over in July, it's been hard work getting it into shape (I managed to round up a few vollunteers to help, well my long suffering husband anyway!). Keeping the weeds under control seems to be the most time consuming job at the moment but even that is a wonderfully relaxing job.

I thought I was doing pretty well, managed to plant some seeds, some seedlings and a whole load of brassicas.

However I was most disgruntled to find my leeks looking a bit manky a couple of days ago and on closer inspection they are full of maggots!! My very sweet allotmenting neighbour looked knowingly at them and said "get a spray". I'd rather not, but as a new gardener I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do.

Does anybody have any ideas?

Great forum by the way!

Thanks, Lainey lou

[scarey55]

Hello Lainey Lou,

Sorry, no idea what to do about your leeks, it's my first year too and I didn't plant any leeks but I just wanted to say welcome to the vine.

Everyone here is very helpful and it's a great site to be involved with.
I have every confidence that some great advice will be winging your way very soon.

Scarey

[Sebbster]

Welcome to the forum Lainey, I'm not sure about your problem as I dont grow Leeks, dont particularly like them.

Thought I would say hi though, used to live in Melksham years and years ago

[Hazel at the Hill]

My first year too, LL, but I've looked up Leek Troubles in Hessyan and I think they could either be leek moth or onion fly. THey both look vile and the recommendation is to spray.

Will have to go and scrutinise mine now....

[lainey lou]

Thanks everyone!

I wondered onion fly too although no one else on the plot seems to have any trouble. They are vile!The poor leeks seem to be totally infested, kind of puts you off eating them anyway!!

Small world Sebbster, a couple of years back I lived between Long Eaton and Beeston at the Barracks!

[seasprout]

Bad news.

It sounds just like leek moth, the only organic method i know of are to cover the crops with fleece or enviromesh when planting out, this prevents the moth laying her eggs on the plants.
(have just double checked with my organic encyclopedia, it also recommends a barrier.)

As you have an infestation its probably too late to save the crop now. its still not too late to re-plant out with new leek plants if you can get some.

Sadly I'm told once you have leek moth infestation on a site ie, allotments, you will always have leek moth because there are just enough uncovered plants for the moths to lay the next generation into.

You could find out which varieties your neighbours are growing perhaps they are a bit more resistant.

Sorry could not be bit better news.

[lainey lou]

Thanks seasprout looks like i'll have to destroy the crop and the little critters!
Any idea where i might get some more leek this late in the season?

[Hazel at the Hill]

our local Wyvale GC has a load of wintering veg plantlets in at the mo - but I can't remember if leeks are in there too - but worth a phone call?

[lainey lou]

Thanks Hazel!

[seasprout]

Need a leek.

Lainey lou I have had a poke about on some online seed catalogue sites, those that do veg plants by mail order and it looks like its bad news, all that's available now are garlic, onion sets and potatoes.

I have seen leek plants for sale at local markets in my area, mostly those with a farmers market feel.

You could try putting a notice up at your allotment with something like "desperately seeking leek plants for replacements" It's possible some people have spares hanging around.

There is always the dreaded spray. No..? Dont blame you.

[lainey lou]

Good idea, thanks SS