Leeks

I like to sow leeks in February, sowing direct into these 'long tom' pots. Once knocked out, you can see the advantage of the deeper pot - a nice long root run rather than short and cramped from a seed tray.

The plants should then be carefully separated to make planting out easier and quicker, rather then trying to untangle them as they are planted.

The bed should ideally be dug the previous winter, incorporating some good well rotted manure. When it comes to planting time, tread over the bed to firm the soil and break down lumps then rake down to level. You can then set up a string line to plant to.

A dibber should be used for planting. Insert the dibber into the soil to between 6-8''/15-20cm, lightly tread around the dibber to firm the soil, then remove to leave a clean hole behind.

Drop a leek into each hole, but do not back-fill with soil. Plants should be spaced between 9-12''/22-30cm apart, with 15''/38cm between rows.

When planting is completed, go along the rows and fill each hole with water, but don't back fill. Soil will eventually filter down sufficiently. These should be ready to harvest from autumn all through the winter months.