Your comments and tips

23 Dec 12, Sue (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Once the leek flowers there will be a woody stem going right down to the root which makes it largely inedible. You can eat from around the flower stem but it's not the best.

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20 Nov 12, Terry Parker (Australia - temperate climate)

Having had a hard rubbish collection recently, I obtained some vacuum cleaner hose and cut into 15-20cm lengths to blanch the leeks. They can even be split and retain rigidity around the leeks.

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03 Oct 12, Stella (Australia - temperate climate)

I planted my leek seeds around 3 weeks ago in polystyrene boxes... But they r not growing at all.. Not even seedlings have appeared..:-/ is thr any way I could save them.. Does putting like a cover later at night like a plastic would help them germinate faster as I normally don't grow in seed trays... Any ideas to save my plants would be highly appreciated:)

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08 Oct 12, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi Stella, Leek seeds (like most in the onion family) take longer to germinate and appear than most other vegetables. Have patience and don't panic.

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15 Sep 12, aussiecuttlefish (Australia - temperate climate)

As with anything that is going to be in the soil for an extended length of time (4 - 5 months), soil preparation is essential. Dig your soil over to the depth of a spade or garden fork, incorporating plenty of organic/humus, Rapid Raiser (Pelletised Chicken Manure), water crystals and a good complete fertiliser. Water soil well, leave for a day and then lay your Leeks in a deep trench 200 - 250mm (8-10") deep. Run a slow hose over the root zone, so that the roots are just covered with soil. Mix "Seasol" seaweed extract into a watering can and apply at rate recommended on the bottle at time of planting. As the Leeks grow, slowly place soil over the base of the stem ( makes for a nice white leek) otherwise the stems will be green, and still edible. Fertilise with a good Liquid Fertiliser such as "Thrive" or "Miracle Grow." Leeks are gross feeders and like the soil to be moist all the time, they also like being planted into a clay loam soil. Enjoy!

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13 Mar 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

What should I feed my leeks with ?

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15 Jan 12, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)

When can I plant parsnips in Perth? I sowed seeds in the garden in October and nothing came up!!

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14 Jan 12, Anna (Australia - temperate climate)

We have always grown leeks here (Central Coast hinterland) and they always take forever to grow to full size, they are not a plant for the impatient gardner!!!

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13 Jan 12, Narelle (Australia - temperate climate)

I grow leeks from seed, but they take sooooooooo long to get anywhere near a size I can use (about 9 months). Is this normal or is something the matter? Any advice on best conditions to grow leeks greatly appreciated.

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19 May 13, Mal (Australia - temperate climate)

This is normal. They can often be in the ground for up to a year. One to avoid if space is limited. Or if you are impatient!

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