[Baldy]

i need to tidy up my plot and get some weed membrane down - this will mean that I have to lift 60-70 overwintering onions and a couple of dozen leeks. Is it worth replanting them or are they destined to go to the compost bins? (I'm guessing that with a big enough soil ball the onions will recover - suspect the leeks would be less tolerant...)

Pip pip,
Balders

[Kristen]

Seems too obvious that you have not considered it, but no chance of leaving the membrane in that area until the Leek harvest has finished?

[Baldy]

This weekend is likely to be my last chance to do some intensive work on the plot for a good month or so but you've led me to reconsider...  All but one row of leeks are at one end - so I think I might be able to get away with measuring and cutting the rolls - but leave one 'end' rolled up so that I won't have to disturb the leeks. If 80% of the membrane is in the right position then I can get the rest sorted when I get the odd hour up there. Often good to bounce an idea... thanks again K.

Pip pip,
Balders

[Goosegirl]

I'm not sure Baldy, but think I have heard/read somewhere that you can heel leeks in, perhaps because they will have finished growing so only need their roots to take up water which won't be much. Onion roots (mine at least) don't go down too far so perhaps you could get away with that as well. You could try both depending on how well things go with the membrane measuting - if something is really in the way then go for it.