[Snoop]

My challenge to myself this year was to grow some decent leeks. So far I'm doing OK using the DD method. The leaves are well over a foot long and they're easily pencil thickness, some perhaps a bit more so.

But they are now so desperate to expand into new premises that they are telling me that if I don't get them in the ground soon, they're going to complain to the boss.

I know the hole needs to be 6-8 inches deep. Given how long the leaves are, I reckon I can go for 8 inches. And I know that you plop them in the hole and then water in rather than filling up the hole with earth.

But what I don't know is what kind of diameter hole we might be talking about. I guess I don't want it so large that they're flopping about in the wind. Or does watering in take care of that?

Thanks for any advice.

[mumofstig]

The best dibbers IMO are made from old wooden spade or fork handles.......so that's about the size you need 

[8doubles]

The broken off handle of a fork or spade is the traditional leek dibber so 35-40 mm diameter.

[DD.]

Four candles?

That'd be inch and arf in proper money.

[Zippy]

Where can I purchase a broken spade/fork handle?

[Allotment Jon]

I bought a plastic dibbler for about £1.00 from B&Q. I placed my leeks in a 2" hole about 7" deep 23cms apart.

[JayG]

Where can I purchase a broken spade/fork handle?

So there is a major disadvantage to "no dig" gardening Zippy!!! 

[8doubles]

Where can I purchase a broken spade/fork handle?

Dig deep enough in Cornwall and one will spring to hand.

[Lardman]

I have a 4' length of 32mm waste pipe that i push in normally around 8" it also takes the core out so it doesn't compact the soil around.

[DD.]

Where can I purchase a broken spade/fork handle?

Use your initiative & break one of your good ones yourself. You'll save no end of money in buying a broken one.

[Snoop]

Crumbs DD, you're on form today!

Thank you everyone, especially Lardman for your excellent suggestion. I am sure I can find something that fits the bill.

[compostqueen]

A walking stick is quite good or a cheapo bulb planter.  Mine aren't 8 " deep though 

[dougsta]

Where can I purchase a broken spade/fork handle?

My allotment shed! I have a wide range for sale - very few of them are over £20 too - bargain

[greenun]

Go out into the forest, cut a tree down..............

[SUTTY1]

my son broke his leg 2 yrs ago and had great fun dibbing with his crutches

maybe go dry ski slope this weekend