Leek growing..

[pete10]

Hi all wonder if any one knows this one .I was reading some advice on a web
site said plant the leeks flat allow to grow a little then stand in pipes tubes
etc. When they say flat do they mean on the ground.

[Digger-07]

Never heard of planting them flat but the pipes will blanch the stems and give whiter plants.

In the North east they make "trenches" on top of the round with metal or wooden sides about 1metre deep. These are partly filled with very fine compost and the leeks planted. As the leeks grow the compost is topped up and when they are ready to harvest the side is removed and the compost washed out. This gives long white stems with undamaged roots for the show bench.

But then they were fanatical about their leeks.

[Lesley Jay]

I think it means 'on the flat' as in 'flat ground' rather than in trenches.

[eddie]

grew leeks for first time this year .used seed trays in greenhouse ,when they got to about eight inches just used old brush handle to make holes six inches deep and popped seedlings in ,and watered them in nad a fair amount of success started eating them about six weeks ago ,long haired one getting addicted to the buggers .have to grow lots more next year ,so come on geordies give up your secrets

[pete10]

I have some as well but looking to grow some real big ones next year .For
the show .

[JennieAtkinson]

Got any good ideas for big leeks Pete? Mine never seem to grow very large.

[Lesley Jay]

Jennie what variety do you grow?

[JennieAtkinson]

Lisbon was the last lot. They are very tasty but a little thin. I wonder if show leeks wouldn't be as tasty?

[Lesley Jay]

Jennie I grow Musselburgh (a Scottish variety) and Lyon Prizetaker. They are both hardy varieties, grow a nice big size and stand in the ground all winter.

[pete10]

Well i have ordered some seeds from Robinsons . http://www.mammothonion.co.uk/cgi-bi...=showprod_LKB6

[JennieAtkinson]

Thanks Lesley - I'll remember those when I'm ordering seed.

[rustylady]

I tried, I really tried. Sowed Musselburgh which I have had success with previously.

This year spring was hell, cold and wet. Grew leeks in cells, did reasonably well, planted out onto lottie according to instructions (broom handle to make holes, drop in, water etc).

Started off looking good, family/work problems, returned to lottie much later - leeks had been eaten!!! Leek moth? Now have 3 whole leeks which look like spring onions.

WILL NOT BE BEATEN, WILL TRY AGAIN NEXT YEAR

[Pigstye Avenue]

Leek Rust

Hi All,

I’ve just acquired my first allotment this year, rather late in the season but I still managed to get good patch of Leeks on the go, which I have been enjoying over the last few weeks. However I have spotted that a couple of them have Rust Spots. Are these Leeks edible and what can I do to prevent this in the future?

Stephen

[pigletwillie]

Yes you can eat them, just remove the outer couple of layers.

As for preventing it, well I get it most years in varying degrees on both my leeks and garlic and havent found a way to prevent it yet without resorting to sprays.

[Geordie]

My 'show' leeks went in in October....am sure I have written a piece about this previously when somebody else asked the question. Did tell you some 'secrets' but not all, I would be shunned!