Leeks Flashcards
1
Q
Explain site selection and soil requirements for leeks.
A
- Sunny, fertile, well-drained
- Don’t like fresh manure, low nitrogen reqs.
- pH 6.5 - 7.5
- Responds well to thorough cultivation
- Does not like heavy soil or soil that stays wet
- Often transplanted into beds vacated by early potatoes.
2
Q
Explain sowing of leeks in seedbed.
A
- Sow in a seedbed between late Feb and mid April
- Sow 13mm deep in rows 15cm apart
- Early sowings require protection as 7C needed for germination
- Thin seedlings to 2.5cm between.
3
Q
Explain transplanting of leeks from seedbed to bed.
A
- Transplant when 20cm tall (10 to 15 weeks)
- Trim leaves before transplanting to reduce transpiration
- Place in 15cm deep holes made with a dibber
- 23cm apart
- 38cm between rows
- Fill hole with water and this will backfill sufficiently.
4
Q
Explain the cultivation of leeks.
A
- Prepare site well ahead of time, incorp well-rotted manure/compost
- Keep weed free as they don’t like competing
- Earth up to get a long white cylinder.
5
Q
Explain harvesting of leeks.
A
Lift with a fork and place in a bucket of water.
Can be left in the ground until required, even in a harsh winter.
6
Q
Name a pest and a disease of leeks, including symptoms and control methods.
A
Leek Rust
- Fungal disease causing orange spots on leaves, disfiguring them
- Avoid overwatering; ensure good ventilation; grow resistant cultivars; Remove infected plants.
Leek Moth
- Small yellow-green caterpillar tunnels into leaves, secondary rotting
- Destroy infected plant; good hygiene; crop rotation; fleece.
7
Q
Name three leek cultivars.
A
- ‘Zermatt’
- ‘Neptune’
- ‘Krypton’