SOW LEEKS IN PLUG TRAYS

STEP 1: Leeks are a great winter veg for the garden and will crop for many months. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden and transplanted, but I find I get much better results starting the seedlings off in cell trays with a plug around 2.5cm (1in) across. Simply fill the tray with multipurpose compost, lightly firm and make a shallow depression with a dibber about 1cm (½in) deep.

STEP 2: The black, angular seeds of leeks are just large enough to handle individually. As the germination rate is usually very high, drop a single seed into the hole in each cell. When it comes to varieties, there are lots to choose from, including many F1 hybrids such as ‘Sultan’ and ‘Below Zero’, but I also grow ‘Musselburgh’, an old variety that is very tasty and crops from October to March.

STEP 3: Once sown, either cover the seeds over with a compost or vermiculite, which holds in the moisture and aids germination. Water with a fine rose to thoroughly moisten the compost and then stand the tray in a cold greenhouse or polytunnel to germinate, making sure the compost isn’t allowed to dry out. Grow the seedlings on until they are ready for the garden in early June.