[JohnB47]

Is it really necessary to dibble-in leeks? Why do it?

What's the point of letting a hole gradually fill up with soil and maybe needing to water more often, compared to just planting them as normal?

I grew a few last year, just to try and I planted them normally. I got a perfectly reasonable crop - although a couple stayed very small for some reason (still tasty though).

So why do it - is it like the idea of cutting back the roots and tops - just something that was always done and we've lost the reason why?

[DD.]

You get a longer, blanched stem.

That's about it really.

[JayG]

I'm sure DD is correct, but I think another possible benefit is that assuming the leek grows faster than the hole fills in it is less likely to get soil trapped between the rings of the stem.

[DD.]

I also disagree about the watering bit.

Don't forget the bottom of the plant will be 6 or more inches deeper and therefore into moister soil.

[Zippy]

In our sandy soil, you dibble the leek in and the soil walls fall in immediately, so the leeks are just planted five inches deeper than they should be in effect - still get a blanched stem so amounts to the same result.

I suppose if you were to fill in the hole in clay soil the leek could end up being unable to expand whereas with sandy loam they just push soil aside as they grow.

[8doubles]

Speed, if you have hundreds to plant by hand dib, drop leek and water in is the quickest way.

[JohnB47]

Thanks all.

I think speed is the only reason I'd go for. (Although that doesn't explain the old way of trimming the leaves and roots - that would be slow wouldn't it?)

Interesting though.

[mumofstig]

some of the oldens on my site put their leeks in trenches and just sprinkle a little earth into the bottom to cover the roots. They then gradually fill the trenches as the leeks grow.
First time that I'd ever seen them done like that, but they get good leeks

[sarajane]

mumofstig theres an older irish guy on our site and apparently thata how they grew them in Ireland when he lived there.   Hes not got any reason why  -  its just the way he learnt to do it.

[corndolly]

We have always dibbed holes and planted leeks that way.But last year it was quite difficult to dig them up ,the clay soil had set rock hard or frozen.
So this year thinking to try the trench method .How deep should the trench be .Am I right thinking its a similar process to that used when growing potatoes .Earthing up around the stems as they thicken and grow.

[mumofstig]

that's right, but by winter there is no difference as the soil will be level by then, and could still freeze 

[JayG]

Only my second year growing leeks so I'm still experimenting; 2/3rds in dibbed holes and the rest much closer together in a trench which will probably need some "help" to fill in.

All looking good at the moment but will be very surprised if the trench ones are as big as the individual ones, although of course they take up a lot less valuable space!

[sion01]

I've dibbed this year but as the soil is a bit wet the holes have only filled in a little.Do I need to put some soil in them or what.The leeks look very healthy

[Yorkie]

They'll be fine, don't worry sion 

[sion01]

Thank you