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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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7
Q

Name three leek cultivars.

A
  • ‘Zermatt’
  • ‘Neptune’
  • ‘Krypton’
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