[Welsh Merf]

One of the "more experienced" gardeners down at the allotments cuts the top of his leeks to stop them bending over as they grow. I haven't seen anybody else doing this, but he reckons that he's always done it, and that it's for the best.

Talking about leeks, here's another one for you: how long after you've planted the seedlings can you start to dig out and eat the leeks? I know that they'll stay in the ground for a long time, but do they have to?

Any suggestions or comments?

[Yorkie]

Not heard of top pruning, and you can dig them when you want and when they're big enough 

[mumofstig]

Ive only ever seen the tops being cut off when allium miner or leek moth have struck.
Cut the tops off and burn them, then leave the leeks to regrow 

[Welsh Merf]

MoS: this has nothing to do with diseases apparently; it's just what he's always done! The only reason I can think of is that if you cut off the tops of the leaves it allows more nutrients to reach the stems, rather than going into the leaves. Still confused though!

[devonbarmygardener]

I'm almost intrigued enough to try it on 3 of my leeks - only 3 though!!

[mumofstig]

When I had to do that because of the leek miners, my leeks were a lot smaller than previous years 

I think if you cut the leaves off you take away the plants food making factory, so it has to use all it's energy to regrow more, rather than getting fatter - so it makes no sense to me.

Why not try a few his way, and let us know what the results are   

[devonbarmygardener]

Hmmmm I'll think about it overnight!

[Goosegirl]

Leaves make necessary food for the plant, so I wouldn't do it, though an experiment could be useful. As to when to use them, it depends on how many you have and how many you can spare before the others mature.

[Anton]

Yes, I do that when they are too long and straggly to be able to get in the rows with my hoe, doesn't seem to do them any harm.

Anton