[RJR_38]

Thanks.i understood what you meant but wasn't sure why it is better (or not!) to expose the crown. Mine are at soil level so I can see most of the crown on some although I think some must be just under the surface...

[sunshineband]

I just run a finger round the crown in the soil if they are in a bit deep, just to give them a bit of breathing room  and makes sure that the cut ends of the leaves I chop off are not submerged

[devonbarmygardener]

When they come through next time I shall leave them, but I earthed up previously after feeding chicken manure pellets and they have grown since then

[RJR_38]

I just run a finger round the crown in the soil if they are in a bit deep, just to give them a bit of breathing room  and makes sure that the cut ends of the leaves I chop off are not submerged

Ok, that makes sense. I shall do this next time I am down. Thanks x

[Ashurstman]

About half of my plants are bolting. So is it me or has the weather not helped or what? I have been giving them "haircuts" so I know it's not that!