PLANT OUT LEEK SEEDLINGS

Having started off your leek seeds in trays, once the seedlings reach pencil thickness and are at least 20cm (8in) tall, they’re ready to transplant into the ground – usually after about 10 weeks. Make sure you prepare your soil with plenty of well-rotted compost and all weeds removed. Pay particular attention to the planting hole depth and spacing requirements given below to ensure they produce a long, tender white shaft.

1 Lift them

Lift clumps of direct-sown or seed tray seedlings, gently separating each plant from its neighbours and any large clumps of soil. Soaking the roots in a dish of water helps.

2 Transplant

Dib holes 15-20cm (6-8in) deep and 15-30cm (6-12in) apart, in lines 30cm (12in) apart. Drop a seedling into each hole, lightly trimming long roots to make the transfer easier.

3 Water in

Water each seedling until the dibbed hole is full, but don’t backfill with soil. Check daily for the first week and push back any seedlings pulled out by birds.