Soggy Leeks

[Peat]

For the past 2 years I have grown leeks (different varieties) in raised beds. They seem to do quite well until the Autumn when the leaves lose their colour and die back. When I try to pull them up, the stems appear to be soggy and mushy. Anyone have any ideas what could cause this?

[Geordie]

From the information you msupply this could be white rot. This is a fungal infection which attacks onions, shallots and garlic as well as leeks, and is most noticeable in hot, dry summers. Plants grown in overcrowded conditions are particularly vulnerable. Infected leeks will have yellow leaves, with a white or grey fungus covering the underground base of the plant, they look like stands of white thread. The spores can remain viable in the soil for at least eight years, so proper crop rotation is the best precaution against white rot. Leeks grown on fertile, organically manured soil seem less vulnerable.

Not sure if all the symptons fit maybe more detail could be supplied?

[Beryl]

Beryl

The leek moth can make them go mushy too.
It is very prolific here in the south. The only real solution is to grow them under fleece. The moth is active from about May to October they burrow into the side of the leek and makes them go all tatty. If you see any signs you can cut them down and they will regrow all-be-it into smaller leeks. There is no insecticide on the market that will do any good.
I find by growing the leek plants on into 3" pots and planting out as late as possible they do have a better chance of survival and amazingly will recover from an attack.

Beryl.

[Lottie]

Some of mine in raised beds went like that and some had spots on the green part of the leaves - they were grown with courgettes and squash. That might have done it I suppose.

I will try you 3" pot tip Beryl - thanks