[strider84]

They are still in the ground but as they were put in late last year they are not as thick as I would have liked.

My question is how much longer can I keep them in the ground? I read up until the end of March.

What is the risk of leaving them in the ground longer? Is it that they will bolt?

Cheers

[mumofstig]

Yes, they will run to flower - once they've started bolting the inner stem is hard and makes them inedible

[allotmentann]

I always leave some to flower as the bees go crazy for them. Mine also self seeded and grew a few new ones too as an added bonus.   

[Paul Plots]

I have 3 or 4 rows of leeks on the plot - and lovely they are too especially once the frost has sweetened them.

Mine will be lifted as and when we want them. I imagine by mid March there will be none left.

Once the weather begins warm the leeks will start to grow again with the main aim of producing a flower stalk and then seed. Too late to eat once the woody stem is forming so use them or lose them. 

[strider84]

Thanks folks I better start using them soon as I have about 30 still in the ground some medium sized most are relatively small! Strangely the ones where I have put x2 per hole have grown bigger than the ones that are in single holes.

Might leave one or two just to encourage the bees

[grinling]

also freeze well in freezer!!! 

[gavinjconway]

also freeze well in freezer!!! 

...or in the garden 

[Paul Plots]

also freeze well in freezer!!! 

I've never done that as Mrs P prefers them fresh. Do you chop em and blanch em first?

[Auntiemogs]

I slice mine, open freeze them, and then put them in a bag. 

[Aled]

I am in exactly the same position Strider 84, i just hope i have enough to put in my "cawl" ( a Welsh lamb broth) by the 1st of March.
Glad i've read the advice given its good.
Cheerds
Aled