How to transplant old leek roots? How long does it take for the old leek roots to be harvested?

Leek is a perennial herb of the Liliaceae family. Leek has the characteristics of being cultivated once and harvested for many years. However, as the growth time after planting increases, the root system of leek will become longer and need to be transplanted. So what are the methods for transplanting old leek roots?

Transplanting time of old leek roots

The best time to transplant old leek roots is from late June to early July. The time to transplant leek roots is generally in summer, and you can also judge whether to transplant by the growth of the plant. When the number of leaves on the plant is 4 to 5 leaves, or the plant height is about 17 cm, it should be transplanted.

Transplantation method of old leek roots

1. Site selection

Because the leeks will not need to be replanted within 2 to 3 years unless they have problems with weak growth after transplanting, so you should choose fertile loam, apply enough fermented farmyard manure, plow deep into the ground, and level the bed surface for later use.

When choosing a site, you should pay attention to choosing a plot where leeks, onions, garlic and scallions have not been planted within three years to prevent repeated cropping and the spread of some diseases and pests.

2. Cut the leaves and root tips

After the leek seedlings are dug out, most of the leaves are cut off to reduce water evaporation, and the tips of the fibrous roots are cut off, leaving only a small part of the stem roots, which are about 2 to 3 cm long. This is to promote the development of new roots and dry them in the sun.

Dig a 10 to 13 cm deep trench according to the predetermined row spacing. If you have wood ash at home, you can apply it in the trench. Wood ash is not only a natural potassium fertilizer, but also can protect the underground roots of leeks from being bitten by maggots.

Plant the leeks evenly in holes with a spacing of 20 cm in the ditch, with eight or nine leeks in each mound, and no more than 10 at most. If the plants are too dense, they will affect and restrict each other and compete for limited resources. The leeks that grow will be as thin as hair, which will affect the taste.

3. Covering with soil

Cover the soil after transplanting. The depth of covering should be enough not to bury the tillering nodes. When covering the soil, please note that the leek furrow after soiling should be 5 to 6 centimeters lower than the row spacing. This is for the convenience of irrigation and future soiling. After compacting the soil and watering it thoroughly, the transplanting work is completed.

The leek should be watered twice continuously within a week after transplanting. When the leek seedlings grow to 15 to 20 centimeters, a small amount of urea or other fertilizers can be applied during watering to promote deep rooting.

In order to strengthen the roots, it is best not to harvest them in the same year, but let them grow freely, and supply water and fertilizer in time. In this way, you can eat fresh first-cut leeks in the spring of the second year.

How long does it take to harvest the old leek roots after transplanting?

After transplanting the old leek roots, it is necessary to wait at least half a year before cutting them. After transplanting, it is necessary to allow the nutrients to accumulate as much as possible, which is very helpful for the growth of leeks, and it will grow stronger.

The time for transplanting must also be chosen well. July and August are the most suitable months. If you transplant it at this time, let it grow naturally in autumn and winter, and do not harvest it. You can harvest it in the spring of the second year, and the more you cut it, the longer it will grow.