QUESTIONS
Fran Jones, by Facebook
I’ve also been told this but have never taken any notice. Provided the leaves are well composted and don’t comprise all your compost heap, then no harm will ensue. Like the stems, they contain oxalic acid, although in higher proportions, but this will break down in the composting process.
Kathleen Shepperson, by email
You say your leeks don’t seem to get the problem until October or November and I’m almost certain this is leek rust, which can persist in mild autumns. It’s tricky to control so choose resistant varieties. ‘Autumn Poristo’, ‘Walton Mammoth’ and ‘Poribleu’ are all claimed to have resistance. I’ve been impressed by ‘Below Zero’ F1 from DT Brown Seeds (www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk).