GROW MORE LEEKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 744, 17 August 1929, Page 32

GROW MORE LEEKS

Considering how comparatively easy it is to grow leeks, their freedom from disease and pests, and the unique dietetic qualities they possess, it is somewhat surprising that leeks are not more widely grown. Their cultural requirements are few, though they amply repay a little generous treatment as regards manures. The sooner the ground is prepared the better; the grower must decide | whether to plant them in single or double rows. One well-grown “stick” is far better than half a dozen puny ones. For large specimens the single row is best. Take out a trench 12 inches wide and 15 inches deep. If old leaves or decaying rubbish are available, throw some on the subsoil and dig in; on top of this place about 8 inches of fat stable manure. Replace the soil, leaving it rough and give a dressing of bone-meal, two ounces per

yard. If double rows are required, make the trench 18 inches wide. If the soil is on the heavy side, take every opportunity to fork it over, to secure a fine tilth. For planting, choose a calm day. Use a round stick, two inches in diameter and make the hole deep enough for the plant to be buried three-quarters of its length. Set the plants so that the leaves will grow outwards and across the trench. This adds to the symmetry of the row, besides assisting the subsequent earthing up. In every hole place a handful of rich soil and water the plants in. If a dry spell comes along, see they do not suffer; keep the hoe going. As growth proceeds, work a little soil round and feed with liquid manure. The easiest way to do this is to wait for a heavy shower, then the ground is saturated. The grower cau put the liquid manure directly round the plants. Keep on drawing the soil up to secure an extra long blanch. Boards can be placed at the sides of the trench. Musselburgh is an old, though reliable variety, extremely hardy and of fine flavour.