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My Babbington leeks are doing well in their pots but now I want to plant them out.
How deep and how far apart should I plant them?

Plant them roughly about same soil level as they are now and about 6-8" apart or so. I'm just off to lottie and about to plant mine too.. ;D

Quote from: goodlife on March 25, 2012, 10:39:50
Plant them roughly about same soil level as they are now and about 6-8" apart or so. I'm just off to lottie and about to plant mine too.. ;D

Thanks :)

Quote from: Poolcue on March 25, 2012, 11:08:55

Quote from: goodlife on March 25, 2012, 10:39:50
Plant them roughly about same soil level as they are now and about 6-8" apart or so. I'm just off to lottie and about to plant mine too.. ;D

Thanks :)

Mine now are closer spaced probably only 4 inches and they are mature plants (second year plants).  But to start off, yes 6-8 inches is a good idea.  Please plant into a permanent bed as it is near impossible to crop rotate Babington Leek.

At the moment, we are enjoying second year plants, which look just like leeks.  They have a long white 'blanch' and we use them just like leeks.  Leek moth has arrived here (but it isn't a big problem) and so far no damage at all on the Babington leeks.  this may be coincidence, but I hope it stays like that. 

These second year plants will flower in early summer, produce top bulbils and underground the white bulb will split into cloves, like elephant garlic, just a little smaller.   

Do you dig it up or chop it off to use like a leek?

Either...
The stem makes a good strong tasting leek substitute..
The bulb can be used like garlic...
I have some seedlings if you'd like to grow some..  :)

Quote from: pumpkinlover on March 28, 2012, 16:51:02
Do you dig it up or chop it off to use like a leek?

At the moment we have so many that I am digging up whole plants.  More often I chop and let regrow,

Quote from: saddad on March 28, 2012, 17:21:44
Either...
The stem makes a good strong tasting leek substitute..
The bulb can be used like garlic...
I have some seedlings if you'd like to grow some..  :)

Thanks Saddad, I have some a couple of years old now, and some wee ones from the seed swop (Galina if I remember rightly)