leeks

[4390evans]

Ive just planted the leek seedlings, how long can I leave them in the ground for as I wont be able to eat them all in a week or so (as much as I would love to!)

Earlier in the year I think I left the lettuce in for to long as it became sticky like sort of on the verge of being gooey. I dont wanna do the same with the leeks xx

[Samurailord]

Last year I harvested my leeks over a long period, probably about three months, and they were fine.

The first ones were about an inch thick, the last were closer to two but all tasted good.

If you have to harvest all at once you can slice, blanch and freeze any surplus so you can have leeks whenever you want.

Andy

[BUFFS]

your leeks will stand outdoors all winter with no problems(you may have to protect them from birds),i only lift some if they forecast a really hard frost,i always lift whats left at the end of february,before they come into growth again,unless i want some seeds from them..

[PyreneesPlot]

Last season we started at the end of October with the first frosts and went on until early May when they started to run to seed.

I suspect yours may not become huge as they have gone in the ground quite late - I plant in June ideally, this year was July as the weather was dreadful down here in June.

[Two_Sheds]

you may have to protect them from birds

I've never known a bird to eat leeks ...?

Leek moth or allium leaf miner might have a go at them: I have to keep mine under mesh these days.


btw, don't pull them up when you harvest them: slice them off at ground level, and they'll regrow

[PyreneesPlot]

btw, don't pull them up when you harvest them: slice them off at ground level, and they'll regrow

Good tip, thanks - I didn't know that.

[BUFFS]

I've never known a bird to eat leeks ...?

Leek moth or allium leaf miner might have a go at them: I have to keep mine under mesh these days.


btw, don't pull them up when you harvest them: slice them off at ground level, and they'll regrow

i have had pigeons and jackdaws pecking at them,but they might have been after bugs,they did make a mess though so now i cover them with netting..

[Two_Sheds]

mmmm, jackdaws. We used to have a family up the lotty, but not lately. They are buggers for stuffing things in chimneys aren't they? I wouldn't put it past them, a leek.

[4390evans]

fab thanks guys xx

[Bill HH]

I've never known a bird to eat leeks ...?

Leek moth or allium leaf miner might have a go at them: I have to keep mine under mesh these days.


btw, don't pull them up when you harvest them: slice them off at ground level, and they'll regrow

I am probably being rather stupid here but is it not the part thats in the ground that you want?

[JoeDaStudd]

I am probably being rather stupid here but is it not the part thats in the ground that you want?

The they taste fine, just not as leeky or tender as white.
What Two_Sheds is suggesting should mean you can get atleast 2 leeks worth from a single plant with the last harvest including the white.

[Two_Sheds]

I am probably being rather stupid here but is it not the part thats in the ground that you want?

You leave the roots in the ground Bill, with a cm or two of stem attached.

[4390evans]

the leeks has been in the ground now for a good 3 months and they havent grown is this normal over winter months???

[Samurailord]

the leeks has been in the ground now for a good 3 months and they havent grown is this normal over winter months???

I wouldn't worry too much as long as the plants themselves are dark green and healthy - once the warmth of Spring arrives they will soon take off.

If you want leeks to harvest through the winter you will need to get them in early in Spring so that they are nice and thick before the dark and cold sets in. A September planting won't be ready until probably March or April.

Andy

[4390evans]

ah fab, they still look healthy just still small. Suppose Ill have to wait

Thanks