Topic: Leeks are they still growing?

[Rosyred]

I grew leeks over the winter months and have been using when needed but the ones left are baby size. If I leave them will they grow bigger?

[Curryandchips]

Assuming they are a winter variety then yes, mine (Musselburgh) keep growing until about March. Many of mine are only about half inch thick at the moment.

Derek :)

[supersprout]

We don't distinguish between small and large in cropping; the bed is cleared from one end, and the broadies start to go in as soon as the leeks come out! We like to use small and large leeks for different purposes, and crop about 20 at a time, which we soon get through :P

However, if you leave the little ones in, and if they are an overwintering variety, they will continue to fatten slightly, as they have more room when you've removed the 'neighbours' :)

[tim]

Funny that some should be small if planted at the same time?

The small ones, quite often, are off-shoots of t'others. In which case, I don't find that they mature very well.

Not the fattest, but here's a reason why I dib DEEP!!

[Rosyred]

Do you earth them up any more?

Yes I find baby leeks are very nice but I do prefer big ones to make soup etc so I really want some a bit bigger. Curry that the variety i'm growing too.

Tim -Some of mine were very little when I put them in i'm surprised they grew really as I didn't know what I was doing. It was fun and games getting them in.

[supersprout]

:o @tim - you and moonbells are running neck and neck in the longest leek show :D

Rosyred, I use straw mulch to earth up, and have widened the gap between rows a little to make it easier - before I used to plant offset but then it was tricky to mulch :)

[Curryandchips]

I never bother earthing my leeks up - probably just through laziness, although I do dib quite deep holes to start with ...

Derek :)

[caroline7758]

How deep, Tim?

[tim]

Earth up? What's that??

How deep? 12".

Small when planted? I KNOW that these are Spring Onions but same goes for many of my Leeks. Makes no odds.