Yesterday I took the plunge and planted out the leek seedlings, they are a first for me so I have no idea how they will do. Leeks are planted out in a slightly different way to other vegetables, I did a bit of swotting up before planting them into their final position. This is how I did it:
When your leek seedlings are around 6 inches tall or the width of a pencil they are ready for planting.
Push a dibber completely into the soil to create deep planting holes, around 6 inches deep should do it.
Drop a leek seedling into each hole.
Using a watering can, fill the holes to the top with water. A little soil will cover the roots which will help to settle the leeks in, don’t be tempted to back fill the holes with soil – the leeks need the space for their stems to swell. Don’t worry, soil will naturally fill in over time.
With a bit of luck I might have a good crop of leeks to harvest from late autumn to early spring.
Excellent advice there Karen!
I love leeks – especially with cheese and ham…mmmm!
If only someone would come dig our plot over…
…want to volunteer?
;)
I cheated and bought some seedlings last year. I found they took a long time to develop, but we had some good sized ones recently. Maybe I planted them too late or maybe the weather wasn’t right for them last year. Good luck with yours.
Hi Karen,
I think I will try to grow some leeks. I have done so in the past but has it has been a disaster. From looking at your entry I see where I went wrong. Leeks will definately be on the menu for Spring!
Sarah
Hi Karin, I cheated too and bought the seedlings a while ago. They were very small so I grew them on in pots till they thickened up. Hopefully they will do well :) x
Hi Sarah, where did you go wrong out of interest? I have no idea how these will turn out, but it’s fun trying :) Good luck with your next attempt x
I know where I went wrong, I planted them too early, they should have been a little bigger and also I planted them at the height of our summer, not a good time for leeks in Australia. Also I didn’t plant them deep enough. This time I am going to get it right and plant them at the end of winter. Good luck with yours.