Management methods for wintering leeks

Chives , as a perennial root plant, can be harvested continuously for six to seven years after being planted once, and are vividly called the "lazy man's vegetable." However, in the process of growing leeks, many growers will encounter a common problem: as time goes by, the growth condition of leeks declines year by year, resulting in a significant decrease in yield and quality. The main reason for this phenomenon is the lack of winter management measures, especially insufficient care for the leek root system . If the root system of leek is not well cared for in winter, its growth in the following year will inevitably be affected, leading to poor overall growth. Therefore, ensuring that leek pre-winter management is in place is critical to maintaining and enhancing the health of the leek root system.

1. Ensure adequate water and fertilizer , and focus on root care

The key to the growth of leek lies in the health of its root system. A well-developed root system is the basis for high yield of leek. Therefore, watering and fertilization must be sufficient. Fertilization and watering should be carried out after each harvest of leeks, even if the previous crop of leeks grew well. Especially for leeks that are being grown in the first year, more attention should be paid to watering and fertilizing. Don't think that there is no need for management if there is no harvest.

For the management of overwintering leeks, it is recommended to do it before the lunar frost. The specific measures are as follows:

1. In early October, before the frost: water the soil thoroughly and apply 20-25 kg/mu of compound fertilizer and 20 kg/mu of wood ash. Fertilize first and then water to ensure that the fertilizer penetrates into the roots of the leek with the water.

2. At the end of October, after the frost: water and fertilize again, but this time the amount of water should be small to avoid waterlogging. Make sure the ground is dry before winter to prevent moisture from freezing. Apply 2000-3000 kilograms of farmyard manure per mu and spread it evenly in the leek field.

2. Cultivate the soil before winter and loosen the soil after spring

Chives are perennial plants and can be harvested for many years once planted. Therefore, it is particularly important to do a good job of wintering management, especially in the low temperature areas in the north.

Mulching the soil before winter: After the last harvest in autumn, clear the weeds in the leek field, and then mulch the leek bed. Be careful not to overbury the leeks, leave 1-2cm of the leeks exposed, and make the soil thick.

Loosen the soil after spring: In the spring of the second year, before the leeks turn green again, harrow the ground manually to level the soil that was deeply buried in the winter. You can also use soil loosening agent for comprehensive treatment, spread it evenly and then water it deeply, with the dosage of 200-300 grams per mu.

3. Select the leek roots and remove the dead roots and weak old roots

The processing of leek roots, that is, root picking, is to remove the frozen dead roots and old and thin roots that have not withstood the severe cold, and retain the strong and thick roots. In this way, the newly grown leeks will be stronger and have a higher yield. This process is especially important for commercial growers.

4. Control overwintering pests and diseases and eradicate them from the source

Chives may be attacked by pests and diseases such as leek maggots, root rot, and gray mold throughout the year. The eggs or pathogens of these pests and diseases will overwinter in the soil. After harvesting leeks, remove fallen leaves and do not leave them in the leek field. Before winter, spray the leek fields with lime sulfur or Bordeaux mixture to kill bacteria and eggs, so as to eliminate a large number of pests and diseases that have overwintered.

The winter management of leeks directly affects the yield in the following year, so this work is crucial. The above methods can basically solve the problem of leek overwintering. I hope these sharing can help everyone. If there is a better way, please share it.