[Flump]

Hi all,I have been growing some Musselburgh leeks indoors in a seed tray as per packet!they are now about 4 inches tall and I'm not sure what to do with them,plant them out or pot them on in a taller pot?any advice please?

[Salmo]

Plant them out 2 or 3 inches apart. Plant them in their final bed in June/July when they are pencil thick.

[Allotment Jon]

I have never grown leeks however I love them and are determined to grow them this year.

I bought a packet of Musselburgh leeks from B&Q and the packet says plant out in the soil rather than on the window sill as I have done with my Autumn Giant 3. I was going to do this however after reading this will have a go at both.

[Flump]

thanks Salmo,being a bit thick though,why do you have to move them again in June /july?

[blackbob]

thanks Salmo,being a bit thick though,why do you have to move them again in June /july?

you need to give them more space to develop and fill out.i always lightly trim the roots and flag tips prior to final planting.

[Flump]

ok,thanks

[Kristen]

why do you have to move them again in June /july?

For next year you might want to consider sowing the seed sparsely in something more substantial than a seed tray - e.g. a vegetable crate, although I grow mine in 12" pots. They won't need a great depth of compost - 4". Provided the seedlings are an inch or so apart they can stay in there until you plant them out in June/July (tip them out, put them in a bucket of water, and then you will be able to get the compost off and tease the roots apart).

When you plant them out (i.e. June / July time) you need to make holes with a dibber and drop one plant into each hole - that makes the stem of the Leek white ("Blanching") as they grow

[monsta]

would planting them in bigger pots not do as i have limited window space? or are they safe to go outside?

[Pompey Spud]

I wouldn't trim the roots as posted above.

An old technique thats been proved doesn't help.

Each to their own though.

[Kristen]

would planting them in bigger pots not do as i have limited window space? or are they safe to go outside?

Several to a decent sized pot "mini-forest"style you mean?  That would be fine.  They'll be happy outside (bring them in for the first few nights so they get over being transplanted, and get accustomed to outdoor temperatures during the day)

[Goosegirl]

Robinson's of Mammoth veg fame transplant their leek seedlings at the "crook" stage, then again when their third leaf shows - they say it is beneficial - not sure why but I will do it later on.

[blackbob]

I wouldn't trim the roots as posted above.

An old technique thats been proved doesn't help.

Each to their own though.

why do you say that? love to see the proof that it dosen't make planting out easier and initiate rapid new root growth.
worked for me for over 25 years.

[blackbob]

I wouldn't trim the roots as posted above.

An old technique thats been proved doesn't help.

Each to their own though.

why wouldn't you trim the roots?

[mumofstig]

some people find trimming the roots helps, but modern thinking is that it makes no difference whether you do or don't, likewise with trimming the tops.

each to their own, eh........................

[Elcie]

I still haven't planted my leeks!  I am a bit behind with them.  Bought the cat litter trays though so have those at the ready.  Might go and do them in a bit or if not tomorrow definitely!