Leeks question

[TheWoodfielder]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and I wondered if I could ask some advice on leeks. It is my first season of growing and I have started them in trays inside. They seem to be doing well and most have sprouted. My question is, they are looking rather tall and skinny already and a couple have started to flop over. Does that mean they have grown too tall, too quickly?

Am I able to save them in any way? Perhaps by trimming the tops?

I'm sorry for all the newbie questions I am struggling to find the answers online.

Thank you

[Martin H]

Hi Woodfielder and welcome!

Leeks don't like it hot. They will be okay in a cold greenhouse or cold frame but in the house will be too warm for them and make them grow weakly. Can you put them somewhere nice and cool and light?

[Thelma Sanders]

Are they in good light? That's what usually makes them grow tall.

I've cut the top off of baby onions when they have more than a leaf or 2, to stop them falling -but not tried it on leeks, so far.

[Kirk]

How deep is the tray?
Just sown some and they are in a pot that is a good 6 inches deep, not sure if it may be a good idea to transplant into individual pots that are 3 inches deep. Then leave them to grow some more before putting in the ground.

[TheWoodfielder]

Thank you all for your advice. They are in good light, but possibly not cool enough so I'll look to move them somewhere cooler.

They're planted in seed trays which are about 3 inches high.

Hmm...I don't think I've given them a great start. I will look to move them/repot today.

Thank you again.

[Scoot]

You could always just resow them into deeper pots in a cooler place if you have plenty of seeds. Do you have a picture of the leeks?

[arch01]

Not to self-promote but there was this thread recently: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...eks_88033.html

If it might be of interest.

[jackarmy]

Hi and welcome Woody.
My first year with them also and like you i worried a tad when they started to fold over, spring onions also did the same thing.
I like you sowed them in a shallow tray so when the roots started coming out the bottom i transferred them to a not poodle pot .
Now the little chaps are happy as................., well, young Leeks in a Not Poodle pot .
Mine are also in a cool greenhouse and are in light but are low down, so cool as possible, im sure yours will be fine, btw, mine were sown on 2nd of Jan.

[TheWoodfielder]

Thank you Scoot - I was very excited and sowed them all! I'll see how I get on and try something different next year I've attached some photos.

Thank you arch01, I'll have a read now.

Itll be good to compare notes jackarmy while they're growing! I have transferred a few into plant pots that are higher, about the same height as pot noodle pots so we'll see how they get on!

I feel a bit better now as a few have sprouted a second leaf.

Thank you for your responses, much appreciated!

[arch01]

Thank you Scoot - I was very excited and sowed them all! I'll see how I get on and try something different next year I've attached some photos.

Thank you arch01, I'll have a read now.

Itll be good to compare notes jackarmy while they're growing! I have transferred a few into plant pots that are higher, about the same height as pot noodle pots so we'll see how they get on!

I feel a bit better now as a few have sprouted a second leaf.

Thank you for your responses, much appreciated!

Good luck! They are looking nice. You are also so much more restrained than I--must have started 150 or so last year. Had lots to share.

[Scoot]

They look fine to me Woodfielder. Here's mine...

[jackarmy]

Yep, their looking good and yours Scoot

[Florence Fennel]

Don't worry they look fine I pricked some out last week to separate and grow on deeper and stronger