[rowlandwells]

 I'm looking to grow some early leeks next season what variety would be the  best for an early crop ?

we always sow our leek seed in a normal seed tray is it best to sow the seed in a deep tray? I'm going for several varieties next season Zermatt and porbella are these varieties suitable for early sowings  i  never seem to achieve thick leek hafts  yet my late father in law used to grow really big leeks [Musselburgh]  he used to ridge them up but as ours are in a raised bed  its a bit difficult may be i should go back to growing them in the open ground so i can ridge them up ? and give them a feed of something to encourage the growing  cycle

also I'm thinking about buying some pelleted leek seed for next season there a bit more costly than ordinary seed but more easy to sow but i found in the past when I've used pelleted seed for other veg they take more time to germinate don't know why this is ?

so I'm looking for an early leek crop together with thicker shafts maybe the open ground method and ridge them up so any advise much appreciated for next years sowings

[Mr Dog]

I grow Jaune du Poitou as an early leek (they do stand reasonably well over winter too despite not being  as hardy as some). They have a lovely flavour, slightly sweeter than say Musselburgh.

[jambop]

I have grown mine in a raised bed this year and although they only have about 15cm of white I am most happy with them I just made a deep hole with my dibber and planted as normal I have some really good leeks and we had a very dry hot summer. I do not grow my leeks from seed though I buy them at the market. I think the secret is early sowing in good nursery soil now for that you need warmth  light and down here we get much more light in the winter than you get.

[New shoot]

I grow Jaune du Poitou as an early leek (they do stand reasonably well over winter too despite not being  as hardy as some). They have a lovely flavour, slightly sweeter than say Musselburgh.

I have grown those before as an early crop.  They are early and very good to eat