leeks

[hawthorns]

when planting out leeks what should the distance between rows be. i have raised beds

[rustylady]

Are you planting out now Hawthorns? It's a bit late, they won't grow much now.

[roitelet]

6 ins apart in rows 6 - 9 ins apart. I block plant mine so the rows are staggered and 6 ins apart.

[Snadger]

Are you planting out now Hawthorns? It's a bit late, they won't grow much now.

I just palnted some out last wek and they were sitting up like little soldiers until the wind blew the glass out of the greenhouse onto them. Took the glass off and we're back in business again.

These last few warm days we've been having seems to have given them a growth boost!

If the plants are very small it may be worth covering them with fleece or a cloche to protect them a bit?

Here's an interesting scenario:-

I started my leeks off in early spring broadcast sown in an 8" pot. I transplanted all I had space for at the time and left the rest in a clump in the soil. I have now harvested good sized leeks (Robinson's Mammoth) and as I dig up tatties I am planting the left overs which are still like blades of grass. Once they are planted into position individually it is amasing how fast they start to grow and give basically a second crop from a single early spring sowing!

[zazen999]

I'm with Snadger, it may have been where I got the idea from. I sow lots twice in the year, and leave bunches in a corner somewhere, and plant out as I get the space. I put the last lot out a week ago today - and will sow some more for next year's summer harvest around christmas time.

I like to have them at varying stages, and any that produce a flower before they are eaten are left for the flower display and to produce next year's seed. On the whole, I'll try to have leeks throughout the year.

[snohare]

If they have gone to seed, can you still eat the plant ? 'Cos if so, I am laughing...

[zazen999]

Not really - they go rock hard as the inside takes over [if you see what I mean]. Best just left for seeds and the interesting display as it turns into a flower.

You could use it for soups, if you cook it really well and blitz it before eating...but nothing else.

[Snadger]

If they have gone to seed, can you still eat the plant ? 'Cos if so, I am laughing...

If they are small 'scapes' you could try treating them similar to garlic spose!
My Friend the Garlic Scape - A Mighty Appetite