Leeks & tubes

I maybe a bit late, but I am about to transplant out my leeks. Last year, I trimmed the roots and tops and popped them into dibbed holes. They turned out quite well. Is there any thing to be gained by putting tubes around them in some way? I am sure that some time ago, I read, or saw on TV someone using old kitchen roll tubes to blanch them in some way?

Thanks
stony

 

Hi Stony found a link on the internet for you I'm sure it will help, Bob and I are going to try the drain pipe thing on our leeks this week. Good luck with yours. Hel.xxx.

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/leeks_1.asp

 

We always start the seed in toilet roll tubes, then at the right time, plant the whole thing into final grow position. This excludes the light from the lower section, and we get good crops this way.
Been doing this for years.

 

If you are only planting them out now and they are going into dibbled holes I've my doubts about them being able to put on enough growth to make it a viable propostion earthing them up with tubes.

I sowed our leeks, an early and late variety, a bit later than usual this year (13th April) and we've just lifted a couple of the early ones.

 

If you planted them in holes about 6 in deep then you should get a 6 in white leek.

Putting tubes around them is really only for exhibition growers who dont replant into holes and have to blanch them using tubes.

You could put tubes round them, but outside you'll be asking for trouble with rotting and mould due to the wet.

If you fell like a longer blanched stalk then just earth some soil up against the stem gradually as it grows.

 

"If you are only planting them out now and they are going into dibbled holes I've my doubts about them being able to put on enough growth to make it a viable propostion earthing them up with tubes."

I have that doubt too!