[Jeanieblue]

Hi, I've leeklings (!) in pots waiting for space to be planted out. They aren't pencil thick by any means even though I planted them thinly BUT they've produced a lot of leaf like long grass !!!!  Any tips anyone?  Thanks in advance. 

[Yorkie]

I've never managed to grow leeks to pencil thickness in pots or trays.  If the ground is ready for them, and they're long enough (at least 4", preferably 6") then bung 'em in.

[Jeanieblue]

Thanks, Yorkie. What's the weather like in York?  We're on the coast near Middlesbrough and it's glorious .... the gulls are really noisy ... they think they're in Whitby !!!

[sunshineband]

I've never managed to grow leeks to pencil thickness in pots or trays.  If the ground is ready for them, and they're long enough (at least 4", preferably 6") then bung 'em in.

Mine were pretty grass like when I bunged 'em in on Wednesday  So am hoping they start to thicken up soon

[Jeanieblue]

Fingers crossed for both of us then, Sunshineband !!!!! 

[Goosegirl]

I've never managed to grow leeks to pencil-like thickness - until this year. I sowed them in pots then transplanted the seedlings into bigger pots at the 2-3 leaf stage to get more space between them. After a bit, they were fed with Maxicrop general feed to bulk them up plus watered them well all the time. There were still some that were weedy but on the whole they were better than I've had before. I transplanted them into 6" holes in early June into their raised bed (I didn't top and tail but I will with some next year as an experiment). They look pretty ok to me and fattening up nicely. I've grown Autumn Giant 2 and 3 and Bandit. I'd lkill my grandma (if I had one) for tasty leeks and also roast parsnips which are also looking ok! 

[strangerachael]

I have found that trimming the tops off helps them to bulk up.

[Jeanieblue]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. A haircut and planting out it is, with a nice dose of liquid feed to give them a head start!  We love leeks ... leek and potato soup, leek and ham mornay, (morney?)  .... leeks in any shape or form. Had a lovely crop last year despite the weather.