EXcellent video on growing leeks, market gardener who studied under Eliot Coleman.
Top 3 Tricks For Growing Amazing LEEKS!
Suggestions:
1) start leeks early inside (that would mean MY basement setup) in an open flat, instead of cells
goal for 10 inch long leeks
2) make a 9 inch deep hole for blanching the stem to BURY the leek
3) cover with straw after some growth, and add a few more inches of straw later
This is ALL doable in my 3' x 6' bed.
Next Monday (warm spell), I plan to cover the straw w/manure, with some well rotted manure/hay from the shelter, then top with 2yo soiled bedding. I have been careful to dump from this winter into another part of the south pasture instead of top of a 2021-2022 area.
The compost is really rich and has had a full year to break down and become more usable.
I guess if I end up with extra leeks I will grow them in containers.
Also This video is interesting. I am a note taker and sharing the notes I took from this video,
1) plant leek seeds early bc they take a long time to develop
2) use soil less mix
3) wet soil before filling cells and push planting mix into each cell
4) make a planting hole for each seed
5) 1 seed/cell
6) use your finger to cover each seed with mix around the soil
7) water lightly, like from a spray bottle
8) Sprinkle with finely milled sphagnum moss
9) put underneath a grow light and cover with a plastic dome OR a clear plastic bag to increase humidity
10)Once the seeds have germinated take OFF the plastic
11)Keep an eye on soil moisture, evenly moist, not sopping wet
12)Don't trim back and make them grow good leaves to be larger at transplanting time
