Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: lillylottie on April 11, 2009, 21:18:44

Title: leeks
Post by: lillylottie on April 11, 2009, 21:18:44
my leeks are about 3ins hight in the seed box.would it be ok to put them into some kitchen rolls these are longer than the toilet roll one ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: leeks
Post by: Eristic on April 11, 2009, 21:23:38
Why waste so much time and effort? Just transplant to a deep seed tray and grow on till big enough to plant outside.

Leeks will take any punishment you give them and still grow up to be big leeks.
Title: Re: leeks
Post by: Mr Smith on April 12, 2009, 10:41:41
I'm growing leeks for the first time can't be hard because most folk on our allotments grow them, but from what I understand you don't plant them out untill they are eight inches, :)
Title: Re: leeks
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 12, 2009, 13:31:35
You don't need to plant them in anything long as they don't have taproots.
Title: Re: leeks
Post by: Eristic on April 12, 2009, 13:40:15
I hate those rubbish shallow plastic seed trays. By deep trays I mean something like these shown below. While leeks do not have tap roots, they do make a substantial root mass and if given a decent amount of compost to grow in they can sit in the box much longer without a growth check.

(http://downtheplot.com/images/leek_seedlings_2.jpg)

(http://downtheplot.com/images/leek_seedlings.jpg)

Title: Re: leeks
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 12, 2009, 17:58:29
Those are more like it!
Title: Re: leeks
Post by: little pud on April 13, 2009, 11:36:39
eristic, where did you get them boxes from? your leeks look great.
Title: Re: leeks
Post by: Eristic on April 13, 2009, 12:22:55
The boxes I use most are obtained from the greengrocers. They have some of the expensive veg delivered in these polystyrene boxes packed with ice. Boxes have to be cut down a bit and abused with a fork to create drainage holes but are robust and last for several seasons. similar boxes can also be obtained from wet fish stores or fish & chip shops but these tend to be thinner and break easily.