1 76 VEGETABLES FOR EXHIBITION 



growers attach too much importance to the length 

 the Leek is blanched. This is a mistake, as it does 

 not denote any special culture. A fair length is from 

 fifteen inches to eighteen inches, and each should 

 measure from eight inches to nine inches round. Re- 

 ject any that show the slightest indication to throw a 

 flower spike. All the rootlets and flag should be left 

 on, and the blanched part be as white as is possible to 

 get it. For early shows make the first sowing of seed 

 early in January in a compost similar to that advised 

 for Onions. In this case it is better to sow the seed 

 in well-drained three-inch pots, the soil being made 

 only moderately firm. Place a few seeds in the centre 

 of the pots, cover to the depth of about half an inch, 

 and thoroughly water in. Place the pots in a gentle 

 heat, from 50 to 55, keeping them near the glass, 

 and carefully avoid overwatering. Remove all except 

 the strongest and most vigorous plant in each pot, 

 while frequent dampings overhead are very beneficial 

 at this stage of their culture. Immediately the pots 

 are well filled with roots, shift on into six-inch pots, 

 adding a six-inch potful of bone-meal to every half 

 bushel of compost made up in the first instance. Pot 

 fairly deep and press the soil lightly about the roots. 

 Grow on in a genial temperature, and shorten back 

 the tips of the leaves once a fortnight. Gradually 

 harden off in a cold frame, and by the middle of April 

 they should be ready for planting out. 



The trenches should be eighteen inches wide, two 

 feet deep, and the bottom well broken up with a fork. 



