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What is it that makes leeks grow outwards rather than up? I noticed today that some of my leeks are about an inch and a half diameter but haven't put on much height other than the leaves. Is it just down to earthing up (or not in my case), or are other factors involved?

Not knowing the variety; I would say from the information you have given you are growing a 'pot leek' variety as opposed to a 'blanch leek variety'

They are "Lyon - prizetaker", I think.

QuoteIs it just down to earthing up

Yes!! Leek Lyon 2 - Prizetaker is basically a 'blanch' type leek so earthing up or growing in a sleeve is required to get maximum blanching.

And does that also keep them thinner? And is it too late to earth up now? They were planted out in mid May.
I tend to think that thinner leeks are tastier, but that may just be because they tend to sell thin ones in the supermarket!

It's home grown ones that are the tastiest.....doesn't seem to matter whether they're thick or thin. The thin ones a much more tender though. You'll also notice that your own leeks smell much stronger.....the smell of leeks stayed in my car weeks after I had them in it whereas the supermarket ones you can barely smell.

Yes, I've noticed that too, Kea!

Lyons priztaker are a big blanch leek . You need to get your initial hole for planting as deep as the leek seedling will allow also  earth it up as it grows if you want a bigger blanch ..Here is a  bit of info on lyons prizetaker ...
http://www.mrfothergills.com.au/au/leek-lyon-prizetaker-5347.aspx

Thanks growmore- I'll dig deeper holes next year- or go back to good old Musselburgh!