[pulse]

So this is my first time having a go with leeks.

About 4 weeks ago I planted my leek seed in a seed tray. Its the type of seed tray that is divided up into individual cells. I put a few seeds into each cell.

So far all the leeks have come up and are doing very nicely. They are about 5 inches high but very thin. Some are tending to keen over somewhat.

Question is do I keep them growing on in the seed tray? Or will I need to repot before I plant out? My understanding is that they should be planted out when they are about 6-8inches tall and thick as a pencil?

Thanks

 

[DD.]

First question - where have you got them?

[horsepooisgood]

Hi Dave I've done the same as pulse and mine are in the greenhouse (just about frost free)

[DD.]

Pulse doesn't say where theirs is.

I'm a bit concerned that they are 5" high after only 4 weeks.

I'm a bit behind this year due to one thing and another and only sowed mine yesterday and mine are in exactly the same place as yours. I would anticipate that after 4 weeks or so, they would only be an inch or 2 high, not 5 inches.

At 5 inches high you would be looking at getting them out in a few weeks time and they should be thickening up. I'm only guessing that Pulse may have them somewhere too warm.

[pulse]

They are on a large bay window in my flat.

Too warm perhaps? How can I rescue the situation?

[DD.]

Certainly too warm, thought as much.

Do you have anywhere to put them outside? Out during the day, in at night for a while, then outside all the time. Problem is if they're keeling over it may be too late.

My solution is to re-sow, (only just done mine). OK to keep them inside until they just germinate, then get them outside.

[AdsaM]

My mussleborough Leeks were sown on 24th Feb and are only just straightening up.
some are still only just showing there faces to the world.

Mine were sown in an unheated greenhouse btw.

Steve

[Salmo]

Take your scissors and cut them off at about 2 inches. Put them outside.

I do this with onions. It does them no harm and they are much more managable.

I usually sow leeks outside in a nursery bed. There is no real hurry as they do not need to be planted out in their final be until July.

[pulse]

Cheers guys.

I will try to stick them outside now to see what happens

[madcat]

That was my plan but ....

If I put anything outside at the moment - it will be in the next county in minutes!  (Cold frame lid left last night, heaven knows how - thankfully it's plastic and was retrieved mostly undamaged)

They will have to stay in the utility room until the wind drops a bit. 

[MoreWhisky]

I only set mine off in trays  off last night, plenty of time yet.

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, it may sound daft but why don't you sow them on the plot. I've never had very good results sowing leeks in trays or modules, they like to get thier roots down and trays are a bit shallow. The best results i had indoors was with those plastic boxes you get your mushrooms in. Leeks like it cool so too warm and they go a bit leggy, i've just sown mine, so my advice to you is resow outside and see the difference.

[MoreWhisky]

Ive got deep trays and i plan on putting them in after my first early potatoes. 

[DD.]

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=26363.0