LEEK PROBLEM

[Compo]

My leeks appear to have a problem the upper leave appear to have a rust or mildew on them and the white bits are going spongy / rotting any idea what it might be and how to stem it? It appears to spread fast.

CoMpO

[Cider Boys]

Hello Compo

Are you sure it's not leek moth?

This has devestated my leeks and also my neighbours.

Bareny

[Monika]

If it's red spots or streaks on the leek leaves, it's leek rust. And, I believe, there is no cure for it. We get a bit most years but it doesn't usually do much damage to the white, eating part of leeks. This year I planted the leeks and garlic further apart and we seem to have been spared, so hat might be the thing to do for the future.

[Compo]

I think it is leek moth as there is only one or two tiny spots of rust on approx 20 leek plants

CoMpO

[Parsons Jack]

Mine have been badly affected by leek moth this year again

In previous years I have just left them to get on with it, and apart from looking very tatty, it didn't affect the crop too much.
I read somwhere last year somebody cut the top growth down to almost ground level and let them start growing again. After all, you only eat the bit below ground and a small bit above don't you. So, I tried that this year with one lot of mine just over a week ago. They have already put on about 3 inches of growth, so it has definitely given them a spurt. I cut down the rest of mine yesterday. Disposed of all the top growth, including the leek moth caterpillars and pupae.
I think I will try growing them under debris netting next year and see if that helps.

[Beryl]

I agree with Parsons Jack other than covering the enitre crop with fleece or enviromesh cutting back does work. You won't probably have such big leeks but certainly an edible size.
Don't compost anything you cut off though. and make sure you cut back to just under where the moth is else the little b......r will carry on devouring your crop.
Beryl.

[Cider Boys]

Perhaps this thread amy be linked to the following.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=8878

Barney

[Compo]

Just some additional information, the insides of some of hte leeks have gone mushy and slimy. I also wonder if there is a resistant variety, but I guess not as it is probably the smell of the alliums that attract the moth?

And I also guess it is too late to net the leek as the little devils are already present

CoMpO

[Beryl]

Yes, you are too late to cover them Compo. They do tend to go slimey if left. I would dispose of those you can't save.
And no, as far as I am aware there is no variety resistant.
Better luck next year.

Beryl.

[Parsons Jack]

I would agree with Beryl there. I would just add that any that haven't rotted, you may as well cut them down to ground level and let them start growing again. You have nothing to lose by trying it.

[Ian in Cumbria]

Hello

My leeks too are covered in rust this year. There is normally some but this year is far worse. Having said that, although it looks pretty bad above the ground, the leek stems themselves are absolutely fine. As good a crop as I've had. I have put the leaves and trimmings in the council's recycle bin rather than my compost heap on the basis that they deal with it at a much higher temperature. Hope I'm right in this. I'll also use the leeks earlier than normal. I usually still have some in the ground in Feb. Looks like freezer space will be needed for the leek/onion/potato soup - using up more of what have been good crops this year. I'd rather cook and freeze than try to store - just a personal opinion. Going back to the rust, I wonder whether to move the leeks next year. I've grown them in the same place for years, based on advice from someone that this was OK. What thoughts?

Regards

Ian

[Beryl]

Rust is not too much of a problem it just doesn't look very nice.
Caused by weather conditions.
I have always composted the leaves but since we are now troubled with the leek moth I dispose of them.
Depending on the variety leeks are very hardy and will stay in the ground until the end of March/beginning of April.

I expect you are too young to remember Arthur Billet of Clacks Farm the original Gardners World presenter. He always grew his onions in the same place, adding plenty of organic matter each year. If you don't have any problem other than the rust then obviously you are growing good leeks. Just be aware the moth although mainly here in the south is now travelling further up country.

Beryl.

[Elle's Garden]

I This year I planted the leeks and garlic further apart and we seem to have been spared, so hat might be the thing to do for the future.

I had just identified what I thought was a suitable place for this years garlic - between the parsnips and leeks - do I take it that this is not a good idea then? I wonder if the leeks will be eaten over the winter and the garlic should not be majorly growing before next spring is this going to be a problem? This will be my first full year so have no experience to draw on!

Thanks

[Monika]

Elle's Garden, when I said "further apart", I meant that the individual plants were further apart to let the air circulate. The beds themselves were actually next to each other, as well as the onions. But rust seems to be quite unpredictable: until a few years ago we never had any, last year there was quite a lot and this year almost none, so take your pick as to the reasons!

Rust is a nuisance if you want to exhibit your leeks in a show, but I don't find it any problem in eating them. We usually grow two varieties, one early, to be used between now and December, and a late one, to be used until March.

[Elle's Garden]

Thanks Monica, I did panic! I guess I can continue with my plan then! I just need to go and buy the garlic now...