Leeks, need feeding?

[pjb]

My leeks seem to be very slow growing, to the point of it being difficult to tell if they are getting any bigger. Do they need any "feeding" of any type? they are green enough and don't seem to have any disease etc... just rather small to say the least, any ideas or is it just Leek paranoia  ;D

Thanks.

[pjb]

[kt.]

Once mine are in the ground,  I tend not to bother with them.  I just leave them to do their own thing without any extra feed.  Come harvest time they get eaten whatever the size,  starting with the biggest. 8)

[Tee Gee]

I'm with Kt

[telboy]

pjb,
Leeks carry on growing if the winter is mild. Did you plant in well manured ground & when did you plant out?

[Fork]

I never feed my leeks.

They dont like freshly manured ground so i take that to mean they dont need feeding!

[Hyacinth]

 :-[ I deliberately planted my 60+ leeks in ground not manured and they're not bulking up either - oops?!

[Fork]

They do like ground previously manured for other crops.

[Hyacinth]

Ah well, I like spring onions ;) No use top-dressing now with manure I suppose - or how about a scattering of chicken pellets or anything else to give them a boost?

[Fork]

No harm in trying with the chicken pellets.

Chicken pellets tend to increase green growth so it just might be a good idea.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I plant them through 2-3 inches of grass mulch. The worms take it down and it's like a slow-acting fertiliser.

[Tee Gee]

I wouldn't start feeding now all that is likely to happen is the plants will go soft & snotty.

They are very hardy plants and should be grown hard. I consider the secret is in the ground preparation prior to planting, meaning if you didn't do that you are too late now.

I ensure my ground is free draining yet moisture retentive, and topped dressed with a slow release fertiliser prior to planting out then that's it.

One must not become confused between leeks grown for winter use with those grown for late summer use or exhibition, these types are grown in a different manner and it is true, they might need some additional feeding.