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Growing Guide - Onions and Leeks

Onions
Onions like an open sunny site with well drained soil which has been fertilised with well rotted manure or worm cast.

Rocket Gardens onion seedlings are grown in small biodegradable pots aprox 4 plants per pot. These can be sown directly into the ground without the need to remove the pot. Space the pots 12 inches (30cm) apart each way.

Regularly handweed or hoe between the plants. Water when the weather is dry but stop watering when the onions have swollen.

Leeks
Leeks grow well on most soils as long as it is not waterlogged. They do appreciate a nutrient rich soil which has been well manured. A ph of 6.5-7.5 is ideal.

Seedlings supplied from Rocket Gardens are grown in small pots , 3 -4 plants per pot. These pots can be planted directly into the soil approximately 9inches (23cm) apart each way. Using a dibber make a hole approximately 5 inches deep and drop the plants in pot and all. Fill the hole with water but not soil. Leeks can be transplanted later in the season if spacing needs to be increased.

Hoe well to remove weeds. When plants are developed draw dry soil around the base of the plant to blanch the stem. This earthing up process should be complete by October.

Leeks should be lifted carefully with a fork and not just pulled by their leaves.