How do leeks planted in the first year survive the winter?

Chives are a common vegetable crop and are planted in a very wide area. Generally speaking, chives can be sown at any time from the time the soil thaws to the autumnal equinox, with spring being the preferred time for sowing. So how do leeks planted in the first year survive the winter? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Pruning management

After entering autumn, as the daylight decreases, the growth rate of leeks will gradually slow down. At this time, the yellow, diseased and weak leaves should be cut off in time to avoid nutrient waste and reduce the chance of disease and insect pests. When pruning, it is recommended to keep the leaf height at about 15 cm. This will not only help the leek accumulate sufficient nutrients, but also protect the roots and prepare for next year's growth.

2. Reasonable fertilization

Fertilizer is the cornerstone of healthy plant growth. For leeks that are about to overwinter, reasonable fertilization is even more critical. At the end of autumn, attention should be paid to the last fertilization, mainly using phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote root development and enhance the plant's resistance to cold. Avoid using too much nitrogen fertilizer, as it will promote growth and reduce the plant's ability to overwinter. Choosing to apply fertilizer in the early morning or evening when the temperature is lower can effectively reduce the heat damage of fertilizer to the plants.

3. Coverage protection

When the temperature drops below 5°C, you can use straw, plastic film and other materials to cover the leek field to maintain soil temperature and reduce frost damage to leeks, while maintaining soil moisture and promoting root health. When covering, be careful not to cover too tightly to ensure ventilation of the chive field and prevent diseases caused by excessive humidity.

4. Water appropriately

The soil tends to be drier in winter, and maintaining proper soil moisture is crucial for leeks to survive the winter smoothly. When watering, avoid the period with the lowest temperature and choose to water at noon when the sun is bright. At the same time, ensure good drainage to avoid root rot due to water accumulation.

5. Pest and disease control

Although the incidence of diseases and insect pests is lower in winter, prevention is always more effective than treatment. Before winter, you can spray biological pesticides or use natural control methods, such as garlic water, chili water, etc. to prevent and control possible diseases and pests to ensure the healthy wintering of leeks. Check the condition of the plants regularly and deal with any problems promptly to avoid the spread of diseases and pests.

6. Soil cultivation and soil loosening

After the last harvest in autumn, first clear the weeds in the leek field, and then add soil according to the leek beds. Do not cover the leeks with soil, leave 1 to 2 centimeters of leeks exposed, and make the soil thick. In the spring of the following year, before the leeks turn green again, the ground should be raked manually to level the soil that was deeply buried before winter. You can also use soil loosening agent for comprehensive treatment, spread it evenly on the ground, and then water it deeply.

The above is an introduction to how to overwinter leeks planted in the first year. In winter, you can add soil to the roots of the leeks to increase soil thickness, protect the roots from frost damage, and provide nutrients at the same time.