Topic: LEEKS

[Mack]

First season and first Leeks, just had a quick look around and some of them are growing well but others are smaller and seem to be going backwards. Not sure when this started happening because I’ve been a little preoccupied with work…. what’s the problem?

[tim]

- sad, but don't know - Tim

[Hugh_Jones]

We really need to know a little more about the ones that are ` going backwards`, such as whether they are showing any signs of disease, rotting leaves, rust coloured pustules on leaves or stems, or whatever.  Also some information as to how they were planted (in holes or on level ground), and what you have been feeding them on (and how often).

[ina]

Feeding? Leeks? Tel us more!
This year mine are not doing well at all, staying small but no sign of disease like you mentioned Hugh. I planted mine in a trench and individual dibber holes, earthed them up as they went, just like every year. The smallest ones are nibbled off, I planted them outside the rabbit fenced area but the slightly bigger ones are not touched. This time last year they were much bigger. I thought that the dry summer may have something to do with that but I did water them a few times.

[Hugh_Jones]

That you "did water them a few times" probably says it all.  Leeks need watering regularly.  If you plant in dibber holes this doesn`t take anything like as much water since you only need fill up the holes with water; the surface of the soil can be left dry unless you want to feed `dry`, when you have to water in.  Once my leeks have started to grow I feed the holes fortnightly with urine diluted 8 to 1 (8 water), and in mid August I give a heavy top dressing of Blood Fish & Bone, which is watered in.  If I think they are not making enough progress I give them a `haircut` to promote the formation of new leaves.

[ina]

Thanks Hugh, I didn't realize they needed regular watering (in both senses of the word), that must have been the problem. As for the hair cut, the rabbits took care of that hahaha.

I have to get some of the blood and bone meal next season too, never used that before. Actually, I only use dried manure pellets in the beginning of the season and with some things when I plant them, other than that I only feed the tomatoes and pepper in the greenhouse with tomato food and nothing else gets food while it's growing. I may have to change that.

[Hugh_Jones]

Actually, Ina, leeks are pretty heavy feeders. I prefer a 3 inch layer of compost where the roots go, and as I also plant in dibber holes this really means taking out a trench, putting in the compost , mixing in a heavy dressing of blod fish & bone, and then filling it up again, but one has to be careful to see that the dibber holes go down to the compost layer without going through it or it`s all wasted.

[tim]

- must try that one next year - but one wonders what they'll be like WITH fert and water? No such luxury for ours, normally. If you do water, what's the best way of ensuring that it gets down 10" to the roots?

I know I've used this before, but it makes a point? And I like pictures! - Tim

[Mrs Ava]

You sprung a leek Tim?  hehehe, they look lovely!  I didn't realise they needed so much tlc - I thought leeks were the sort of thing you could just bung in and pretty much leave to it, which is what I do with most of my plants  :o.  I shall feed feed feed and water water water next year!  

[Hugh_Jones]

Tim, that`s why I always water the dibber holes only.  With dibber holes the sides are always slightly compacted from the dibber, and the water will go downwards rather than sideways until it reaches the compost layer at the bottom, where it should percolate sideways round the roots.  Even if soil does trickle into the gap between the leek and the side of the hole, that soil is always looser and less compacted than the rest, and the water will go straight down.  I use a long spouted can and simply top up each hole three or four times in one session.

[ina]

Those are some fine looking leeks Tim. If you start feeding them next season you may need a wheelbarrow for each leek you harvest.
I plan on caring more for them next season, I pretty much used to do and think what EmmaJane wrote. I'm going to get super duper leeks next time ha!

[tim]

- them's my thoughts, Hugh - but  needed confirmation.

Some folk might water randomly to no avail, except weeds.  - Tim