Planting Leeks in Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet paper roll collars around the foundations of leek plants (Allium ampeloprasum var. Porrum) block out sunlight a lot more of the leek stems stay tender and white instead of turning green just like the tops of the stalks. 1 4-inch toilet paper roll is long enough to provide collars for 2 leek plants. Plant leeks from seed and add the collars following the seedlings emerge.

Dig the soil to a depth of 8 inches with a rototiller or hand digging tools, working in a few inches of organic matter such as manure and finished compost if you’ve got bad soil. Select a website that receives full sunlight to grow the leeks.

Dig several furrows approximately 7 inches deep and with 12 inches between each furrow. A hoe works nicely to pull the dirt aside to make the furrows.

Plant leek seeds or leek seedlings 8 inches apart in the furrows. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and plant seedlings as deep as they were growing at the original containers. Push the ground into the trench around leek seedlings, filling in the furrows to just below where the leaf foundation meets the white flesh part. Once seeds germinate, thin seedling to 8 inches apart by pinching them off in the ground line.

Water the leeks well until the ground is moist, but not saturated. Water at least once per week, or as needed. Spread mulch around the leeks following the seedlings emerge, to help trap moisture in the dirt, but prevent pushing the mulch directly against the leeks. Should you plant leeks from seed, wait till the leeks reach approximately 6 inches tall and have at least 2 leaf places before you add mulch.

Cut the toilet paper rolls in half, making each piece 2 inches long. Paper towel rolls and wrap paper tubes also work when cut into 2-inch sections.

Slip the toilet paper tubes over the leek leaves and slip them down the shaft to the ground. Press down on the tubes to place them 1/2 to 1 inch into the ground.

Apply a complete, all-purpose fluid into the leeks once per week or every other week, based on the rate of development. Fertilizer blending rates vary with various products. Mix an all-purpose water-soluble fertilizer, by way of instance, in a rate of 1 tablespoon of fluid to 1 gallon of water. The water in the fertilizer counts toward the weekly watering condition.

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