"Tom" wrote in message
o.uk...
I'll need to put stones at the bottom (the holes in the pots I've
got are pretty big).

Is using pots only this deep feasible? My only outside space is
paved so containers are my only option.

The leeks are currently in a tiny container but have reached the
point where they need repotting.

Thanks a lot,

Tom

Answering in a more general way, Tom, container-grown leeks seem to
have a nasty habit of attracting every bit of stray dust and grit into
the leaf roll. I have no idea why this is as I've tried siting them
all over. If you don't mind working your way through this
inconvenience then pots are a great way to grow leeks.

I use 12" 17 litre polypots with well compacted soil/compost mix which
has stood for a month to become strong enough to maintain dibbed
holes. Cardboard toilet roll holders work well as you can imagine. Cut
the leeks down by a third, chop the roots a bit and drop them into the
holes. As long as the soil at the bottom is not too compacted they'll
root unfussily and be basically maintenance free til cropping. The
cardboard will maintain its form long enough for the soil to hold
shape even if it composts away.

I can't remember how many you can get in a pot like this but it ain't
many. The leeks grow strongly til late Summer, stand forever (it
seems) and then blast away as it warms up next spring. As long as they
are well watered AFTER winter they don't run to seed or do anything
odd. However, they are more likely to run to seed in pots than the
ground.

Leeks have few enemies - even in pots it would seem. They don't need
particularly rich soil.

That's just about everything I know about leeks!! Apart from the fact
that Musselburgh are the best and I like eating them :-)

Good luck.

TJ