First the tools were prepared...
The silver-coloured thing is actually a "ground spike" from a rotary washing-line, but I used it as a thing for making the planting-holes for the Leeks. I used the hammer to drive it into the soil, and then when I pulled it back out there was a nice deep hole ideal for the desired purpose.
I did initially try using my wooden dibber, but it wasn't long enough or wide enough.
The Leek seedlings had been growing in those Elmlea pots for quite a while:
When I took them out of the pots I saw that their roots were very tightly packed. I don't think it would have been a good idea to leave them in there for much longer.
As it happens, it is often advocated that you trim the roots of Leek seedlings (and the tips of the leaves) when planting them out, so I removed about half of the roots - mainly the circular parts at the very bottom. This certainly made it much easier to slip the seedlings into the deep, narrow holes.
I made the holes about 8 inches deep, so that the shanks of the seedlings were completely buried and only their leaves were above the surface of the soil. I then gave them a big drink of water to help them settle in. The seedlings are six inches apart in each direction.
On this occasion I managed to fit in nine Leeks, but as the Kohlrabi gradually gets eaten I plan to put in another 18. The ones I have planted this time are "Apollo" from Marshalls, and I will plant 9 each of "Toledo" and "Winter Giant".
These are the "Winter Giant" ones. They were sown a bit later than the others, so they will be the last to be planted.
In this next photo you can see the Leeks surrounded by Celeriac (left), Parsnips (background), and Kohlrabi (right). This is what is called "intensive cultivation"!
Last year I grew some really tasty and "highly-perfumed" Leeks, and I am hoping to repeat that success this year. The one thing I have yet to understand is how to stop them bolting, because I did lose a few last year. Any suggestions?
