Allotments 4 All

Hello
                Is it possible to sow leeks now, to overwinter in the greenhouse or outside, to get an early start for next year, most seasons my leek plants seem to be very small compared to others I see for sale in markets. I use good compost and transplant when ready. Also, what preparation is needed on clay soil, I put nitrogen around the plantlets after planting.

from what i have read do not plant before the 3rd week in january or they will prob bolt

I put my leeks in last year around this time, as I took up my potatoes. They stayed in the ground quite happily all winter, dug up the last ones when I was ready to plant out in April/May time.

In the North East where I come from, leek growing was very competitive when I was young.  they feed them on all sorts of concoctions- dried blood, stout and goodness knows what else. Mine just go in the ground and grow.

Quote from: aebal on August 18, 2010, 07:59:37
Hello
                Is it possible to sow leeks now, to overwinter in the greenhouse or outside, to get an early start for next year, most seasons my leek plants seem to be very small compared to others I see for sale in markets. I use good compost and transplant when ready. Also, what preparation is needed on clay soil, I put nitrogen around the plantlets after planting.

Any leeks that you sow now will go to seed next year as they will work out the day lengths and it is this that causes them to throw up seed heads.

Sow them after the shortest day however, in December and you will get a head start. I bung mine in the corner of a greenhouse until they are about 4 inches tall, then in the corner of a bed until space comes free, then put them into their final positions about nowatime....

Ah didn't read op  properly- my leeks were sown early in the year and are ready to plant out now. Doh!

Thanks for your replies, I will try sowing in late December in the greenhouse. One again thankyou.