[Thompson24]

hi guys

I planted some leek seeds earlier in the year (first time) there now about an inch high but still only the with of some thread lol.  Should i transplant them into large plug trays until i finish building my beds?  Is it also true that the leeks i have planted as seeds this year wont be ready to eat till next year (a guy on the lotti said that?)

[DD.]

Where do you have the leeks at the moment?

The "guy at the lottie" is talking out of the top of his head, leeks will be ready in the autumn.

[Thompson24]

at the min there all in a seed tray but seem a little close together. (the same guy who told me that planted them in there for me and I think he just throw them in).

He said by autum they would only be as thin as a pencil and not like the thicker ones you see in the shop?

[dougsta]

In my experience autumn is a little early - you should have some "shop sized" ones for Christmas though

[DD.]

Not in my experience!

[DD.]

Sounds like they are too cramped in, so potting on to wider spacing may help.

You may like to consider this method next year....

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=26363.0

[LivvyW]

The leeks i started a couple of months ago, should be ready Christmas onwards.

Your seedlings should have about an inch all way round in terms of space, if they are much closer than this they may be a little crowded.

Hope that helps.

[Aidy]

In my experience autumn is a little early - you should have some "shop sized" ones for Christmas though

+1 with DD's coments, I grow Autumn Mammoth for Autumn leeks and Mussleborough for winter onwards. There are early and late types. I sow in standard seed trays in compost, feed liquid seaweed extract and transplant when ready, cut the top off and give the roots a snip, dib your hole, pop in your leek and fill with water, don't back fill with soil.