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Early sowing of leeks

roblewchenkoroblewchenko Posts: 2
edited January 2020 in Fruit & veg
Hello! Long time reader, first time poster  :)

Reading the instructions for “sow indoors” on my leeks, I’m advised that I can sow some around now and it says to place on a windowsill, a cold frame or in an unheated greenhouse...

Just wanted to check that this is correct? i.e. I can sow them an put them out in the greenhouse now.

I’d just assumed that it would be too cold for them to germinate if I put them out in the greenhouse in Jan...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Rob.

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    *Bump*  :)
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Leeks can be sown early as the seeds don't seem to rot so much in cold, damp compost like many other seeds do.  In a cold GH, they will germinate when conditions suit them;  It can get very warm even at this time of year.  Leeks usually do take a long time to to germinate whenever sown, hence the reason many folk do sow them early.  Once germinated, leek seedlings are hardy things and will survive low temps but getting frozen solid will obviously do them no good.  That's unlikely unless we have a prolonged spell of freezing weather, so worth a go if you want really early crops.  As with all risky sowings, best save some seed just in case you need to start again though.
    Having said the above, I now grow leeks where I have lifted early potatoes so don't need to start them off very early, and usually wait until end of Feb/start of March.  Pests (Leek moth and Allium leaf miner) are the biggest issue when growing leeks these days, so be sure to protect them with very fine mesh when the flies are active:

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • roblewchenkoroblewchenko Posts: 2
    Thank you so much! Really appreciate the reply.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    You are welcome and good luck with the leeks. :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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