Thread: Leek Question
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Old 21-05-2009, 11:39 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Kathy Kathy is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Jan 2009
Posts: 47
Default Leek Question




"John T" wrote in message
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"Broadback" wrote in message
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Kathy wrote:
I have 2 trays of leek seedlings - Jolant and Musselburgh. They are
about 4 inches high and very thin. The roots are now coming through the
bottoms of the trays. Given their size is it safe to plant them out
yet? If not, should they be potted on or just left to grow a bit more.
TIA

There should be no problem. I successfully plant mine about then. As the
roots are trimmed before doing so coming through the bottoms should not
be a problem. It always fascinated me how just dibbing a hole, trimming
the roots, dropping them in the hole, filling the hole with water they
take and race away. I wish other plants were as easy to plant out!

No problem at all Kathy, as Broadback says trim the roots beefore you dib
them in.
As I trim the roots, I let them rest in a bowl with some water and a
couple of drops of SM3 fertiliser, you could use tomato food, to stop them
drying out and give them a good start.

However i would sow some more Mussleburgh about now, and you should be
able to plant them in August (ish). That way you will have fresh leeks in
February and March when there isnt much else!

This works here anyway, at the top end of Wirral where the winters are
relatively soft, but in Mussleburgh, where they come from, they can have
REAL winters!

Thanks to you both for the advice. I'm on the east coast [almost], the
driest part of England, and the field is windy, so soaking them is a must.

--
Kathy

It's pointless to try and discuss ethics with a spider.