First the tools were prepared...
The silver-coloured thing is actually a "ground spike" from a rotary washing-line, but I used it as a thing for making the planting-holes for the Leeks. I used the hammer to drive it into the soil, and then when I pulled it back out there was a nice deep hole ideal for the desired purpose.
I did initially try using my wooden dibber, but it wasn't long enough or wide enough.
The Leek seedlings had been growing in those Elmlea pots for quite a while:
When I took them out of the pots I saw that their roots were very tightly packed. I don't think it would have been a good idea to leave them in there for much longer.
As it happens, it is often advocated that you trim the roots of Leek seedlings (and the tips of the leaves) when planting them out, so I removed about half of the roots - mainly the circular parts at the very bottom. This certainly made it much easier to slip the seedlings into the deep, narrow holes.
I made the holes about 8 inches deep, so that the shanks of the seedlings were completely buried and only their leaves were above the surface of the soil. I then gave them a big drink of water to help them settle in. The seedlings are six inches apart in each direction.
On this occasion I managed to fit in nine Leeks, but as the Kohlrabi gradually gets eaten I plan to put in another 18. The ones I have planted this time are "Apollo" from Marshalls, and I will plant 9 each of "Toledo" and "Winter Giant".
These are the "Winter Giant" ones. They were sown a bit later than the others, so they will be the last to be planted.
In this next photo you can see the Leeks surrounded by Celeriac (left), Parsnips (background), and Kohlrabi (right). This is what is called "intensive cultivation"!
Last year I grew some really tasty and "highly-perfumed" Leeks, and I am hoping to repeat that success this year. The one thing I have yet to understand is how to stop them bolting, because I did lose a few last year. Any suggestions?
This is an interesting lesson for me. I've been trying to grow leek but always fail. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThey look great. I've still got mine to plant out yet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea of using the 'ground spike' for planting leeks! I'll need to look at my husband's tool box to see if I can find something similar. That's such a neat way of planting. Particularly for leeks or plants of the same size.
ReplyDeleteYour leeks are amazing! By the way, have you received the seeds?
ReplyDeleteBest regards!
Hi Dominika; Yes, I have received the seeds, for which, many thanks. We really ought to correspond by email. You can get to my email address via my Profile if you want...
DeleteGood to hear! I have your address in my inbox as we communicated in our first exchange, mine is dominika.naskova@gmail.com.
DeleteHave a nice week!
I used roughly the same technique to plant leeks this year, but your tool is really clever. So far mine are looking very good. I haven't had a bolting problem, but leeks are biennials. If you have a cold streak and then it warms up again, they can think it is spring and bolt. Why some and not others, who knows.
ReplyDeleteLovely leeks. I hope they grow big for you. Leeks have always been hit or miss with me. I haven't grown them for quite a while now. I know you can use them for things besides leek and potato soup, but since I quit growing potatoes, the leeks just don't seem as necessary anymore.
ReplyDeleteI am a relatively new gardener in growing fruit and vegetables and love reading your blog. You have a very productive garden and love reading about all your planting tips, your successes and failures and the interaction you have with other bloggers...... A big THANK YOU for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Heather; Thank you for your kind remarks. It gives me pleasure to write this blog, as well as growing cooking and eating its produce, so we're both happy!
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ReplyDeleteOur dibber is an old spade shaft sharpened. We need to plant leeks but could do with some rain first