On Thu, 1 Sep 2005 Bob Hobden wrote:

I have some leeks growing well and have cut the tops back twice to keep
them tidy which they have responded to very well. Should I carry on cutting
them back and for how long? Also I have some more growing which are still a
bit small for planting out, is it worth carrying on with them ( will they
over winter) ? I realise they are all a bit late but I couldn't get any in
at the right time.

I've never heard of anyone cutting back the tops of Leeks before (except
after the Leek Moth grubs destroy the foliage). You will have probably
delayed/stunted the growth of these plants.

My French neighbour cuts off the tops of young leeks, usually in
October/November, to make soup. Doesn't seem to make any difference to
their growth.

David
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David Rance http://www.mesnil.demon.co.uk
Fido Address: 2:252/110 writing from Caversham, Reading, UK