Leeks - where did I go wrong?

[fishpond]

I have never trimmed leeks tops or roots before or after planting as I could never see the point--never had a problem with growth from pencilish thickness baby leeks.
They also seen to thrive in clay, but they do need some manure around the roots to give them a good start when planted.
If you spread the manure on the surface, they will get some of it when you make the holes to drop the leeks into.
I still use an old variety which serves me well.

[Kirk]

If I try leeks now it is mainly as a bit of fun. Or I have soil to fill and have a bit of a laugh with.

Other then the first year I tried I have never got a pencil thick leek yet, doubt if many reach the lead fill thickness. Last year they managed very little and the majority just gave up and composted themselves. The number I could count steadily decreased.

That begs the question "Why have I sown some more again this year?"
Suppose a pack of seed at 60p and a pot is no great loss.

As they are members of the onion family and as I now just buy onions at a supermarket (less cost then onion sets at the end) the 2 aspects may be related.

[Jay-ell]

If they don't grow big enough this year, heel them into somewhere else where you can leave them for next year. I've a couple of leeks from 2015 and a decent sized patch of 2016 sown leeks which is getting bigger all the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIm1iPxYIe0 at around 3min 50

[veggiechicken]

I've been leaving the leeks to self seed and am amazed at how many babies are appearing now, with no effort from me.