REMOVE DEAD LEAVES FROM LEEKS

Leeks are a great winter vegetable to grow in the garden and it’s possible to have them in season from October through until May. Generally speaking, they are fairly easy to grow and being hardy they can remain outside in the garden all winter.

At this time of the year when the leeks are ready to harvest it’s natural for the lower leaves to shrivel, either as a result of lack of light or fungal infection similar to grey mould. Although not harmful to the main plant, it’s a good idea to clear the old leaves from around the plants and dispose of them. This helps keep the leeks healthy and prevents diseases spreading.

Sow Now

Onions, lettuce and salad leaves, broad beans – all under cover with heat.

Plant Now

Soft fruit bushes, cane fruit and fruit trees, garlic in pots, rhubarb.

Prune Redcurrants

Red and white currants can be summer and winter pruned. The aim when pruning is to develop an open framework of old wood from which grow lots of side shoots. The growth made last summer can be shortened to form short fruiting spurs along the older stems. Any congested growth can also be thinned out slightly and tall vertical shoots reduced to keep the shrub in hand.

Harvest

Brussels sprouts, winter cauliflower, kale, Savoy, winter cabbage, leeks, celeriac, chard, Swede, Jerusalem artichokes, spinach, parsnips.

In Store

Apples, pears, potatoes, beetroot, carrots, squash, pumpkin, onions, shallots.