Leek growth between now and Feb?

[singleseeder]

Just wondered how much growth I could expect from leeks between now and Feb. They are only 'fat pencil' size now.

It is probable that I will be moving plot in Feb (not sure which end of Feb but am waiting to hear). Still to a half plot, but more chance of it becomming a full plot sooner than where I am. A couple of other benefits too.

The only crop that will be in the ground are about 100 leeks which I anticipated using small, but not all as early as Feb. Also, I have put in about 100 winter onions for the first time. Will it worth trying to move some of them?

I know that there isn't a great monetary value in these, but just wondered ready for the move.

[Two_Sheds]

No, not much growth of anything at all when it gets really cold. They'll pick up again in spring when it gets warmer.

Fat pencil is really small, when did you plant them out? Mine are a little bigger than that, they've been in since July. I'm cutting them now, leaving the roots in the soil and they'll regrow to give me another cutting in a few months

[susieq100]

I'm cutting them now, leaving the roots in the soil and they'll regrow to give me another cutting in a few months

Ooooh! handy hint. Thank you TS

[singleseeder]

I've called into the plot this morning to check that I wasn't underestimating their size and 'fat pencil' just about sums it up. 7-8 leaves. It was quite late when they went in; end of Aug or Sept perhaps. I didn't record it I'm afraid.

What ever they grow to by the deadline, I will just freeze them for soups etc. Do you think a few might transplant in Feb? Its worth a try I suppose. Just to have something to use through springtime.

Love the tip about cutting them for a second growth Two Sheds.

[veggiechicken]

Is it worth putting some of them into pots now, while they are smallish and growing those on to a bigger size?

[Aberdeenplotter]

You can lift them at any time really and then just heel them back in to your new plot till you are ready to use them. As long as it remains mild they may well bulk up a wee bit yet but as TS says, once the cold weather sets in, that will be that till springtime

[singleseeder]

Thanks for all of the response to this. When they were put in, the holes were over 6 deep so they will have a firm hold on the ground.

So for a belt and braces attack, I think I might have a go at potting some up and transplanting some next Feb; as well as beginning to use and freeze the bigger ones. Perhaps a few could live their lives in Morrisons buckets; how many would you put in? 4? 6?

I'll try to remember to come back with the results next year.

[Two_Sheds]

Perhaps a few could live their lives in Morrisons buckets; how many would you put in? 4? 6?

That depends how fat you like your leeks - replant them about as far apart as you expect them to grow (does that make sense?). The more you stuff in, the more you have to water & feed them though

[Aberdeenplotter]

remember that your leeks will start to produce seed heads in late April /may so you will only have a few months and cold months at that.

[singleseeder]

Right! I think I will go down today and fill a few Morrison buckets with 6 leeks each and perhaps bring them home.

These leeks were all marked for very early eating, so I anticipated small plants. That is why there were so many for a singleton.

Depending on which end of Feb I move plots, I'll transplant some and freeze some. Perhaps using the 'cut and wait for second growth' method for some too.

[Panda]

Wow, didn't know you could cut leeks like that. I had a bumper germination this year, so it'll be great to spread the cropping like that. Mine are like fat fingers rather than pencils. My problem is being so far north it's hard to judge where my crops should be in relation to those in the south.