Leeks

[Mrs Ava]

Last late summer the lady on the next plot gave me a bunch of leeks to start me off, which I planted and loved.    Now, they are finally begining to thicken and look rather yummy, are they still good to eat?  I don't know when she sowed them, but when I got them in September they were pencil thickness and now they are small leek thickness  :-/  How long should I keep them in for...when will they be past their best.  

[Gail-M]

Hi,

I'm not an expert on leeks but in my experience they start to go to seed about March. Pull one and cut stem in half - if the inner is solid and a seed head is forming they are past it.

If you can use them now or freeze them that's maybe best idea.

Last couple of years I've been late getting my leeks in in the summer and I end up having small leeks now.

regards,

Gail.

[tim]

- use them as you need them - they won't improve. And size isn't necessarily beautiful! = Tim

[cleo]

And even if they do start to get a bit thick in the middle,think soup or stock.

Stephan.

[Hugh_Jones]

Hear, hear! I`ve still got about 20 left to look forward to.

[gavin]

Depending on the variety, they can last through to May.  I pick mine as I need them.  

When I've planted too many, come late March (or whenever I need the space again), I lift what's left, and shift them into a quiet unused corner - just open a deep slit with the spade, and slip them in.  They've stayed fresh - but not gone to seed.

All best - Gavin

[Mrs Ava]

Thanks everyone.  Good to hear they will be okay for a bit longer.  Food for free, nicer as they were a welcome to the plot gift.