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starting onions leeks etc from seed,what is the process?

I start  all these from seed but never get big veg, I put bone meal in the                     ground when I eventually plant out but what and when should I feed them?

 

Thanks guys                               

Posts

  • Hi 4390evans!

    I have used sets this year. But there is a really good website I have found which gives step by step advice to growing all veg. It's www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk

    Sorry don't know how to do links! But if you find the website look down page for an alphabetical list of veg. As I said I have resorted to sets as think seeds need to go in January. Good luck! image
  • Zoomer44Zoomer44 Posts: 3,267

    If you want to grow big veg then you need to start with seed which will mature to big veg.'

    W. Robinson and Son' is a local nursery and they grow 'mammoth onions' and the biggest leeks I've ever seen. You can purchase their seeds on line, slightly more expensive than your average onion or leek seeds but worth it if you want huge leeks and  onions the size of cannon ballsimage.   

    They 'show' at all the big garden flower shows in the NW and give talks, their onions and leeks win prizes tooimage.  

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618

    I grow mammoth from seed each year. I put the seed in a deep tray in January in a frost free greenhouse. They get planted out when they are the size of spring onions.

    I prepare the ground with well rotted farm yard manure, a handful of blood fish and bone to each square yard, and a sprinkle of calcified seaweed(Maerl) . I water if it is dry, and harvest big onions in September.  they need to be in a sunny spot for the best onions.

  • Zoomer44Zoomer44 Posts: 3,267

    image fidgetbones - I'm told 'mammoth onions' are very palitable, do they taste and are they just as strong as smaller home grown onions. Do they keep well?

    Reason for asking - I'm tempted to buy some of their plug plants, to see how they grow on the plot with a view to getting seeds for next year.   

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618

    I have just used the last ones, stored in the garage, they tend to sprout at this time of year. Sometimes I freeze any left after January for stews. I think they have a good taste. Mammoth red are sweeter if you want them raw.

  • chris 172chris 172 Posts: 403

    hi

    i have grown onion sets and from seed this year and all are coming along nicely. i have also planted leeks from seed planted in large pots which by about mid June when they are pencil thick will planted at the allotment. i dont go for huge leeks as i pick them when i need them during the seasons. the leeks are lifted out of the pot put into a large bucket of water and they split really easy and can then be planted really quickly.

    I have planted some ofmy sets which where module started and there is mre still to plant but rain has stopped play

    some pictures

    Happy gardening

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