470 VILLA GAKDENING part v 



high repTite. It is very hardy, especially in its earliest stages. 

 When fully grown, highly fed, and blanched to the condition fit 

 for use, severe frosts should be kept from the plants by placing dry 

 Fern or litter over the rows. Some growers shorten the tops 

 — i.e. cut off the ends of the leaves at intervals of a month or so, 

 with the view of giving increased size to the stems or necks of the 

 plants. It is very seldom attacked by insects, and is subject to no 

 disease — at least, I have met with none of an injurious character. 

 The Leek is a very strong-rooting plant, and this feeding power 

 should be utilised to the utmost ; it should be planted in very deep, 

 rich soil. Some people think any odd waste corner will do to raise 

 Leeks on, but this is a mistake. 



Sowing the Seeds. — Early in March is time enough to sow in 

 the open ground, which may either be done broadcast or in drills. 

 I prefer the latter plan ; but in either case sow thinly, and trans- 

 plant as soon as large enough, before the plants receive any check 

 from overcrowding. The enthusiastic grower sometimes sows the 

 seeds in a pot or box, and starts them in a frame to get the plants 

 on early for the shows, as size and weight, when accompanied by 

 the finish which time gives, will win the prizes. If the seeds are 

 soaked for twelve hours in lukewarm water they will grow much 

 quicker. This, in fact, gives us nearly as much advantage in point 

 of earliness as placing in a warm frame. Seeds whose germination 

 has been hastened must be placed in a comfortable bed. Scatter 

 thinly and with care when the land is in a fine tilth, and cover 

 with some rich, sifted compost about a quarter of an inch in 

 depth. 



Tkansplanting slioidd take place as soon as the plants are 

 large enough. Plant in rows from 12 to 18 inches or more 

 apart, according to the purpose for which they are required, and 

 the season. If sown early for exhibition, 2 feet between the rows 

 may not be too much, to allow the necessary space for earthing-up ; 

 but the late-sown plants will not require so much room. The land 

 must be in fine condition. Leeks may succeed any crop which can 

 be cleared oft' in time for the ground to be manured and trenched- 

 up not later than the first week in March. The Onions delight in 

 a firm soil, but, provided it be rich and deep, it cannot well be too 

 loose for Leeks. I have planted them sometimes by making a good- 

 sized hole with a dibble, placing the roots in the hole, pushing a 

 few crumbs of earth in first to cover them, and then leaving them 

 loosely standing in the hole without applying any pressure to the 

 stems. From natural causes, the earth, of course, will consolidate ; 

 but when the soil has a tendency to get hard a frequent loosening- 

 up is very beneficial if large Leeks are wanted. Where the soil is 



