Is it too late for leeks?

shiney · Post: # 3046Post **shiney** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:55 pm

OK, just been out to get some netting to keep the cats off, but found some seeds on the way. Cheapies but I like a bargain. Got some leek seeds.

Is it too late to plant them or shall I just go for it 'Shiney Stylie' ~ meaning.... whack 'em in the ground and see what happens?

Anyone else grown leeks successfully? Any tips for a good crop?

greenbean · Post: # 3047Post **greenbean** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:05 pm

Hi Shiney, I have just planted out my leek seedlings. I don't have my seed packet with me to check but I would think you could plant your seeds out now direct into the ground. I'm sure others here will have more definate advice for you. My advice is to go for it. Nothing nicer than baby leeks or a cock-a-leekie soup (with the old tough uns).

shiney · Post: # 3048Post **shiney** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:08 pm

Thanks Greenbean,

I have just made (I say I, I mean WE) a new raised bed. I'll go and whack em in the ground now. I shall cover it for the time being as I know we could be in for a few frosts this week.

greenbean · Post: # 3049Post **greenbean** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:42 pm

What variety did you get? I have gone for Musselburgh, supposed to be good all-rounders, ie. taste good and are easy to grow.

shiney · Post: # 3051Post **shiney** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:48 pm

I got Autumn King. Ever heard of those?

Anyway...they are in the ground now ~ let's wait and see what occurs!

greenbean · Post: # 3052Post **greenbean** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:58 pm

I think I have heard of Autumn King. Let's compare our leeks come the Autumn!? I shall get my ruler and girth-o-meter ready.

shiney · Post: # 3053Post **shiney** » Tue May 17, 2005 4:01 pm

Girth o metre sounds funny.

I am hoping that slugs and what have you don't fancy leeks. Any other pests to keep an eye out for?

Guest · Post: # 3054Post **Guest** » Tue May 17, 2005 4:07 pm

I don't think slugs go for the onion/leek family. So far all mine are OK. I don't know enough about veggie gardening to comment really, I've only been at it a couple of months. I'll let you know if I see any pest attacks happening. Good luck.

greenbean · Post: # 3055Post **greenbean** » Tue May 17, 2005 4:08 pm

That guest was me, incognito, forgot to login.

ina · Post: # 3374Post **ina** » Thu May 26, 2005 9:23 pm

I got my leeks out really late last year - by Christmas they were the size of spring onions, and they are still in the ground now! They seem to be growing again. I had been warned they would bolt if left over to the next year, but they haven't done that yet. Let's wait and see... My spinach also survived the winter. I cut it all back to the ground, and now it's growing again nicely.

Ina

shiney · Post: # 3387Post **shiney** » Fri May 27, 2005 7:15 am

Oh well, there is hope for me then. Since I posted this thread, there is no signs of life yet, but I am hopeful!

Millymollymandy · Fri May 27, 2005 11:54 am

Don't worry Shiney, I find that spring onions are really slow and they come up the same way as leeks - sort of bent over double , i.e. they are really starting to grow a couple of inches under the soil before they poke up bent over and then - ping - they straighten up. Does this make any sense?

shiney · Post: # 3395Post **shiney** » Fri May 27, 2005 12:01 pm

Thanks MMM,

I'll try and be patient!

shiney · Post: # 3472Post **shiney** » Sun May 29, 2005 2:36 pm

Leek report....there's stirrings in the soil. They are poking through. Is this exciting or am I just a sad Leek Anorack?

ina · Post: # 3481Post **ina** » Sun May 29, 2005 8:01 pm

I know the feeling. I've even poked about in the compost to see if I can't make them come up a bit faster... And I put the heater on in the living room just to get the seedlings going - well, they can't put on an extra wooly jumper like I do, can they???