Leeks, heat or not?

[Doris_Pinks]

Wan't to start some pot leeks off today, are they better started in my propagator inside then moved to my unheated greenhouse, or just start off in the unheated greenhouse with no heat? Or no difference? Thanks DP

[Doris_Pinks]

[sandersj89]

I would give them a bit of base heat if possible to get them going and to achieve a good germination rate.

Once germinated and looking OK they should be fine in a cold greenhouse. Protect from frost for a week or two if a very hard one is forecast.

I tend not to sow leeks this early though, leave them until March and sow in succession with both early and late varities. This gives me crops from September right through to April/May.

Jerry

[Doris_Pinks]

Thanks for that Jerry,
Every year I sow mine later, and seem to end up with pathetic skinny specimens compared to everyone else!! Was going to try some now, and some in a few months time to see if it makes any difference to the end product! ;D
(plus it is any excuse to sow SOMETHING at this time of the year!)

[sandersj89]

Thanks for that Jerry,
Every year I sow mine later, and seem to end up with pathetic skinny specimens compared to everyone else!! Was going to try some now, and some in a few months time to see if it makes any difference to the end product! ;D
(plus it is any excuse to sow SOMETHING at this time of the year!)

Most of my leeks are between an inch and an inch and a half across, I don't go for the big brutes that seem to be about 6 inches across. I would not think they eat as well.

Always end up with a suplus come the spring that need to be converted to Leek and Potato soup before they run to seed.

I know what you mean by needing to sow something. I had a flurry back in the autumn and can wait until The end of this month to get some other stuff under way.

Jerry