Page 12 - Issue 65 Online

n previous articles we have mentioned
that our UK leek growing season starts in
Iearly July through to May of the following
year. But leeks are in demand for the whole
year so we store leeks in May and June and
import leeks through to the start of the early
leek crop in July.

To grow early leeks for harvest in July and
August we use three separate planting
methods using modules, blocks and bare
roots. The quickest leeks can grow from a
seed to a marketable sized leek is six months.
Therefore, these seedlings are established in
the warmth and the controlled environment
of UK nurseries during December and January
to avoid our windy cold winter and to be The quickest leeks can grow
ready for planting in the, hopefully warmer
and drier, spring from March onwards. If we from a seed to a marketable
plant on time in March the leeks should be sized leek is six months
ready to harvest in July. Let’s hope the land
has dried up in time this year! white protective fleece. The fleece is permeable
Modules and blocks are leek seedlings that are and protects the seedlings from night frosts and
contained in a soil mix, whereas bare roots have more prominently from the Fen winds that can
no soil around their roots. Block seedlings are so damage crops in March and April. The fleece
the first planted and have the largest soil block provides a micro- environment for the seedlings
to protect the roots for rapid establishment. to flourish and to rapidly grow. The fleece will stay
Also, the early plantings are covered by a on until 14 days before harvest or when ambient

LEEKS FOR ALL SEASONS

E
E
12
12
G
PA
G
PAGE 12 www.maneamatters.co.uk
PA