LEEKS

Evening Star, Issue 22709, 24 July 1937, Page 23

LEEKS

Leeks will grow on practically all soils, provided these are deeply dug. They prefer well-drained loam, for such a soil can retain moisture without becoming soddenLarge leeks or those raised for exhibition arc grown in a trench Din to 12m deep, and any farmyard or other organic manure that is used is buried in the bottom of the trench a few days before planting. About 3m of good soil should be placed on top of the manure, thus leaving the trench about Gin deep. These trenches are usually made about 18in apart from centre to centre, leaving a distance of 12in from trench to trench after they have been dug. The plants themselves are put out 12iu apart in the trenches. The main requirement or this crop is farmyard manure, although a little poultry manure may be used as a top dressing; it should be applied along the rows, at loz to the square yard when the first earthing-up is carried out. One ounce of sulphate of potash and soz of superphosphate per yard run may be applied once a month. Nitrate of soda may also be given a fortnight after each of these dressings at the rate of loz per yard run. These artificial stimulants are suitable for leeks grown on the flat and those raised in trenches. When the plants are removed from the frames or pots, they should be taken out carefully so as not to break the roots. If the roots are damaged it is necessary to reduce the foliage by a quarter or half, according to the extent of root damage. All through the season, thorough waterings may be given, for leek roots should never be allowed to dry. The exhibitor will : probably syringe his plants at the end of' a hot day and give them applications of liquid manure from time to time.

There is no need for leeks to be pui out in trenches, for they may be grown in rows 12in apart, the plants being set Bin away from each other in the rows. Holes 9in deep should be made with a dibbler and the plants dropped in. The holes need not be filled in, as the roots soon get a hold, especially if a little water is .poured into the holes when planting. Another method is to make the drills 9in apart and Gin deep, and to put the young leek plants out m these Bih distant. Whichever way leeks are planted, regular hoeing is necessary throughout the year. If any flower stexfis appear, these should be nipped out immediately and from time to tinu, as the. plants develop, soil should be drawn around the stems to blanch them. Most people start blanching about three weeks after planting, and continue to bring loose soil up to the plants regularly at fortnightly intervals. The keen exhibitor may use stiff tubes of brown paper to prevent the soil from actually touching the stems. Those who Have not yet bought their* plants may care to try Monarch, with dark green leaves and enormous stems; it is one of the best-flavoured varieties, Walton Mammoth, an early variety, has a mild and agreeable flavour, and. Prizetaker is perhaps the best leek tor exhibition purposes.— ‘ Popular Gardening,’ London.