Leeks

[stuffed]

I'm gonna try and grow a few leeks this year and am after some advice.
I have read that the preffered way to plant them is to transplant into a deep hole so that it blanches nicely.
I have also read that it is possible to plant on the flat although it would mean they wouldn't blanch.
I hate the way there is always some soil in between the leaves so was wondering if I planted them on the flat and put something around them like a kitchen roll or something if they would do okay.  I don't need to worry about them falling over due to the position they will be in. All opinions welcome.

[stuffed]

[redimp]

I use kitchen and toilet roll inners to earth up my leeks and it works well.  I dib as well though so I get a longer white bit (even though I like the green as well).

My problem this year is that I sowed all mine in washing up bowls and then forgot about them  Next time I looked, they were full of water (no drainage holes) and I had to drain it off.  Seeds and compost got all mixed up and I seem to have far fewer showing than I was expecting.  May have to resow even though it is getting a bit late. :(

[John_H]

I use old plastic drainpipe which has been sawn up into 9 inch lengths. I file off all the burrs off though, because they tend to cut into the leek leaves as they sway about in the wind.

[supersprout]

The best results I get are from poking a hole in the soil (old depth marked fork handle ideal for not bending) - about 6-8" - then quickly poking the leek seedling down (slight swirl to get the roots pointy down), then pouring water into the hole and not worrying about filling it up with soil. Then mulching later in the year to about 2". The quicker the operation and less attention they get, the better they seem to be!

And I am going to plant the seeds outdoors in May to get those cramped, tight bunching seedlings I usually buy (70p/10 in a roll of wet newspaper) from a Downham Market trader, that seem to do so well ;D

Warning! You can never have enough leeks, they last through to end April ;D ;D ;D

[tim]

Ina & others do a trench & earth up as they grow. This is what I use.

Earth in them? Often in bought ones, but hardly ever in home-grown. But if there is doubt, just 'ring' them - like this - & then cut an inch or so into the top & agitate in cold water.

Agree - the greens are great - we get plenty of them - why recipes say discard them beats me!

PS Just seen yours, Sprout - yes, don't fill with soil. QED - nothing in the leeks!

[Robert_Brenchley]

I just dib a deep hole, drop it in, and water it. Never had a problem with grit. I have grown them on the flat, and didn't notice any real difference. It depends how fussy you are about white leeks, I suppose.

[David R]

good god tim, have you shrunk? ;D