Peat pellets with Leeks ?

[gingerneil]

I used peat pellets last year for starting off beetroot. They were excellent and made the whole process of germinating and planting out far easier. I am planning on using them again this year, but for more things. Can they be used for starting off carrots and leeks ? I would normally start carrots straight in the ground, but fancy trying the peat pots to make spacing etc easier. However, I am concerned that they would hamper the roots forming properly, and so result in poor final produce.

Any thoughts / comments / experiences ?

Cheers.

[Two_Sheds]

I was confused about "pellets", but you mean peat pots?

No good for carrots, they're not deep enough. I avoid peat as much as poss, so I sow carrots into loo rolls instead. If you have a look around the forum, there is much discussion about loo rolls as pots.

[gingerneil]

HI - I DID mean pellets. See these:

[Two_Sheds]

Oh yeah, Jiffy 7s. I never heard them called pellets before

[gingerneil]

Sorry - its what I've always known them as..
So.. can I use them for carrots and leeks ? Anyone tried it ?

[Alison]

No, you can't use them for carrots, they're much better direct sown so that the root doesn't get damaged. Not sure about leeks, possibly but it would be easier to just sow a pinch in a normal pot and then transplant when pencil thick. If you're going to use those peat disc things then they're probably better for brassicas etc. Personally I used them once and hated them and now wouldn't use them as I don't use peat and the coir versions cost a fortune.

[Two_Sheds]

No good for carrots, they're not deep enough.

Leeks only have small roots, so they should work

[gingerneil]

I'm surprised to hear you hated them. Can you explain why ? Maybe I was just lucky last year....

[Two_Sheds]

I'm surprised to hear you hated them. Can you explain why ?

why we hate Jiffy 7s

more discussion of Jiffy 7s

[stupot]

As Alison said, sprinkle in a pot, once they're germinated stick them outside and forget about them until pencil thin then transplant. Much more in deapth guide posted previously..?

[gingerneil]

When can I start planting leeks ? I live in East Anglia, and its still pretty cold! However, I have just installed a cold frame over my raised beds, so that should help a little.

[zazen999]

I wouldn't waste those jiffy 7s on anything that isn't planted fully into a hole......so I'd stick with salad stuff, toms or peppers - but I stopped using them after last year as they really aren't any better than using a pot......I used them for spring onions [a pinch in each jiffy] and plant out once the seedlings are about 3 inches tall. Worked well!

Leeks; you can sow now [what does the packet say?], plant into a corner somewhere and put into final positions as the ground is cleared over the summer.

Carrots; sow into final position anytime after April - don't forget grow under enviromesh to prevent carrot fly.