[erainn]

With sown leeks seeds still not germinated indoors yet, I am wondering if as a backup I could sow some seed directly into my plot? That being the case presumably sooner the better?

[DD.]

Yes you can.

Sow them thinly, about 1/2" deep in a drill, then you can transplant when big enough.

[erainn]

Thanks DD, much appreciated, so much conflicting info on that, some books advise sowing indoors, others not, shall give it a go

[Swing Swang]

I always direct sow into a sheltered seedbed (usually under a coldframe in March) then pr!k out after the first earlies have been harvested (as late as July some years). There's plenty of time for you to get a worthwhile crop

[Salmo]

Sow the same amount of spring onion seed along the drill. Pull the spring onions for salads(round leaves) and when they get pencil thick transplant the leeks (flat leaves) to their Winter position. Rxcess leeks can be added to salads or cooked as mini leeks.