Leeks are definitely slow growers. I bought this packet of F1 hybrid leeks
'Oarsman' after talking to a man from the
National Vegetable Society last year at the RHS Wisley Autumn show.
It is just so wonderful to be able to talk with someone who is an expert in a specific field, and we were having an involved conversation about the problems with leek moth, and growing leeks generally. Most people have heard of Mussleburgh leeks, and they are an old established favourite, but the man from the NVS told me that he always grew
'Oarsman' as he felt they were far superior. So here I am giving it a go.
They had some lovely root development in the bottom of the pot. I watered them well this morning to give them a good start.
Separated out the individual leek seedlings. You can if you wish, give the top green leaves a bit of a hair cut with a pair of scissors to reduce the stress on a newly planted seedling, but generally speaking, leek seedlings are 'as hard as old boots'. Easy to handle and transplant well.
I dibbed a hole in the soil and dropped the seedlings down to the bottom.
Fill the hole with water and allow the soil from the side of the hole to fall in and cover the roots at the bottom of the hole.
Leave the seedling in this hole-ette... there is no need to fill it in further. As time goes on, the leeks will get taller and the hole will fill itself in naturally. The more of the leek that is underground, the more blanch/white you will get. I am just starting to collect cardboard toilet rolls to go round them as they get a bit bigger.
It is just so wonderful to be able to talk with someone who is an expert in a specific field, and we were having an involved conversation about the problems with leek moth, and growing leeks generally. Most people have heard of Mussleburgh leeks, and they are an old established favourite, but the man from the NVS told me that he always grew 'Oarsman' as he felt they were far superior. So here I am giving it a go.
They had some lovely root development in the bottom of the pot. I watered them well this morning to give them a good start.
Separated out the individual leek seedlings. You can if you wish, give the top green leaves a bit of a hair cut with a pair of scissors to reduce the stress on a newly planted seedling, but generally speaking, leek seedlings are 'as hard as old boots'. Easy to handle and transplant well.
I dibbed a hole in the soil and dropped the seedlings down to the bottom.
Fill the hole with water and allow the soil from the side of the hole to fall in and cover the roots at the bottom of the hole.
Leave the seedling in this hole-ette... there is no need to fill it in further. As time goes on, the leeks will get taller and the hole will fill itself in naturally. The more of the leek that is underground, the more blanch/white you will get. I am just starting to collect cardboard toilet rolls to go round them as they get a bit bigger.