[erainn]

Trying to grow leeks in a large container, planted seeds in early April and now have a number of seedling;s between 5 and 8 inches in height.

I have read they need to be trimmed and eventually collared. Do I trim now and collar August time?

Also is it right the collaring has to be done in stages? If so is there a recommended time before additional collars are added?

Lastly would I be correct in thinking they will be ready to 'harvest' during September?

Any advice, links or help would be very welcome for someone new to the dark arts of leek cultivation.

Erainn

[kingdhesiii]

I dont do anything.  Just plant in a hole made by a dibber water in. Dont cover up with soil yourself.

[viettaclark]

Same here. My seedlings are in tall pots and I just plant them up to the first leaf joint.
I don't want show leeks and I don't mind a bit of dirt. The green is just as useful as the white and it saves all the faffing about.

[DD.]

Collar? No way am I putting collars on hundreds of leeks. What a load of faffing about!

As has been said, dibbed hole, (about 6" deep), drop leek in water & leave.  Simples.

[Comfortably Numb]

Collar? No way am I putting collars on hundreds of leeks. What a load of faffing about!

As has been said, dibbed hole, (about 6" deep), drop leek in water & leave.  Simples.

Yep, got to agree with that

[JayG]

Think I need a shorter dibber (if I dropped my leeks into a 6" hole I'd never find them again!)     

[erainn]

Thanks for all the helpful information, really appreciate it.

Given my leeks were sown in April and are now around 5 to 8 inches in height are they ready to go into a deeper/watered hole? Also, am I right to think they would be ready around September?

[Zippy]

If I top and tailed my leeks this year, they'll be nothing on 'em.

Still trying to sus out how to get those "pencil thickness" leeks that everyone goes on about!

[viettaclark]

The rule of thumb is to plant in their final positions when they are "as thick as a pencil". Doesn't matter how tall. You can trim the tops a couple of inches if they're tall and use as chives.

[viettaclark]

Hey Zippy! Wasn't it you who told me.....patience, patience, patience.....?

[maxie]

I just do mine the same as everyone else on here.
Ive also tried the cat litter tray method this year for the first time and so far so good they are better seedlings than my old method,and no transplanting into bigger pots so whoever put that tip up on here a big thanks.

[Zippy]

Hey Zippy! Wasn't it you who told me.....patience, patience, patience.....?   

Yeah - but I'd quite like to plant them out THIS year!     

[viettaclark]

 

[DD.]

I just do mine the same as everyone else on here.
Ive also tried the cat litter tray method this year for the first time and so far so good they are better seedlings than my old method,and no transplanting into bigger pots so whoever put that tip up on here a big thanks.

You're welcome!

[erainn]

Grateful thanks to everyone for your very kind help and useful information, I shall certainly follow your advice. One last question, when re-planting the leeks into dibbed holes how far down should they be planted? Will leaving about an inch length of leaves above the soil surface be alright?