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You can plant leeks from mid-June to
mid-August, but July is the time recommended in the Ministry's cropping
plan. Many gardeners plant them on ground cleared of peas. If you have sown
leeks in your seedbed, the seedlings should be lifted when about 6 in. high.
If the soil is dry, soak the seedbed before lifting. Lift carefully with a
fork; it is usual to cut off the tips of the leaves before planting out.
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Plant in rows 12 to 18 in. apart, 9 in. between plants. Drop each plant into
a hole at least 6 in. deep, made with a blunt dibber. Water in to wash soil
round the roots, but don't fill the hole with soil. The sketches show how to
plant. Although hardy, the soil should be drawn up to crops in the autumn to
give some protection from severe frost and to help in bleaching. |
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Early July is the
best time to provide some extra rations for onions that have not had the
advantage of heavy manuring before sowing or planting. A good general
fertiliser such as "National Growmore" is safe and effective. The ideal time
to apply any fertiliser is during showery weather; and if showers are
lacking, do not fail to hoe in the fertiliser and water thoroughly.
Artificial manures of all sorts are more of a danger than a help when spread
on dry ground, but their action is very soon seen when rain descends or when
artificial watering has been well done. Not more than two applications of
fertiliser should be given to the onion bed. |
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The ideal to aim at is hard, well-ripened bulbs––not mere size,
for the medium bulbs will keep better than the big ones. Late manuring with
artificials only prolongs the growing period and makes ripening all the
later and more difficult, so give no artificials after mid-July.
Earthing up BRUSSELS
Draw a little soil up round the stems about a week after
planting. Remember, Brussels sprouts like very firm ground. next |
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