I should like to try and grow leeks again this year, I grew some about 3/4 years ago.
Last time I just planted the seed in the ground and that was it. But I have heard about people growing them in tubes?
I can get some sturdy plastic tubes from work which are about 12" long and about 3.5" across in diameter inside. Would members think these would be suitable? Can anyone tell me exactly what to do please. Like Do you sow in the tube or put the tube over a seedling? Then do I keep filling it with soil as it grows?
Also, Which type of leek would folks think the best for me to try again.
Thanks x
Grow the leek seedlings as normal... when you transplant them line the hole with the tube and a few inches out of the top and water into the tube. 3.5" is a good diameter but keep an eye on them or they may grow so much they fill all the tube and get stuck!! Don't bother back filing with soil, that is just to exclude light. Make sure the bottom roots have taken by watering a couple of times. (If in any doubt about them getting stuck tmake a cut along the tube on one side from top to bottom. If you don't and they do get stuck they shrink slightly after a day or so and will come out then!!) I know, I've been there!!
;D
PS 8" is probably long enough although you can pus the extra into the soil at the bottom of the hole but you'll have to water for longer for the roots to get out of the bottom end!
I was looking around the net this morning re leeks. Someone used a cat litter tray to sow leek seeds & got almost 100 seeds in it. Does this sound like a good idea.
Janet
Quote from: grannyjanny on January 25, 2009, 13:07:57
I was looking around the net this morning re leeks. Someone used a cat litter tray to sow leek seeds & got almost 100 seeds in it. Does this sound like a good idea.
Janet
The large tray in the forground are leeks Welsh seedling. I use this method and also a 6 to 8 inch deep plant pot. after putting the seeds on the surface, covering them with compost i cover it with a sheet of glass and then news paper to keep them in the dark till they germi[attachment=1]nate.