first couple of days down the allotment this year

[Percy T]

Well that it, finally got the first couple of days down the allotment last week.

oh I am so far behind where I wanted to be by now, oh hum oh well.

Anyway think I may need a little advice if I may.

I my leeks are still there but white bit very short not much to use so to speak, any ideas what I did wrong?

I appear to have some beetroot left from last year thought I pull it all out but definately looks like beetroot, will it be any good?

I did plant some celery last year though it all died but seems to have come back again some small leaves very close to the ground, will this be any good?

I didnt plant my garlic last year like everyone else, have heard you can plant garlic in the spring is this correct?

[Winged one]

I only got my plot this time last year and planted my garlic then - it was a good crop in the summer. I have a few cloves down since late autumn this year, but will be putting more of both garlic and onions in during the next few weeks as I don't have enough!!

Can't help with the rest, sorry.

[chuffa]

Hi Percy T, there is no problem with putting garlic in, in the spring time. The garlic farm have cloves that are good for spring planting.

I know that leeks will give a long white stalk if you earth them up throught autumn or get some black polythene and lightly tie it six inches up each plant then earth up. I hope this is of some help.

[SarzWix]

Your beetroot might be a bit woody by now, but the leaves can be harvested and used like spinach, so it might be worth leaving them be for a little while unless you need the space?

[crichmond]

I use plastic downspout cut into 8 to 10 inch sections to blanch them it just pops over the top.

[wayne]

i think your celery is going to seed now and so to the beetroot and the leeks, so you can leave them in and produce your own seeds. some times i will move a plant if i want to keep it for seeds but is in the way of new planting

[Snadger]

If you plant the right variety of leek (Musselburgh?) at the right time and deep enough you shouldn't need to earth them up. Planting them in an 8" deep dibbled hole usually works ok for me!