Growing Exhibition Leeks with John Soulsby
with John Soulsby
Grow strong, consistent, show-quality leeks with clear step-by-step guidance from one of the UK’s most respected growers.
Whether you’re planting your first leeks or preparing for the show bench, this course takes you through every stage of the growing cycle, from preparing stock in autumn, potting and collaring in spring, right through to managing pests, keeping plants clean, and setting seed for future years.
What You’ll Learn
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The Full Growing Cycle
Follow the natural rhythm of the year. Learn how to prepare stock plants in autumn, clean and set seed heads, and keep plants healthy all the way through to the next season.
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Potting, Collaring & Shaping
Know exactly when to pot on, how to apply collars for length, and how to manage button size so your leeks stay uniform and compact.
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Winter Care & Troubleshooting
Practical tips for managing plants through cold months, from using grow lights wisely, to spotting early signs of virus, thrip, or stemphylium.
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Soil Prep & Planting Out
Discover how to prepare outdoor beds using John’s trusted compost mixes, fertilisers, and no-dig methods, ensuring strong root systems and healthy growth.
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Seed Saving & Stock Plants
Step into the full grower’s cycle by learning how to shave heads, cross-pollinate, and keep your own breeding stock clean for the future.
Who Is This Course For?
What You’ll Need
Modular trays and 3–10 litre pots
Low-nutrient seed compost & professional-grade potting compost
Blanching collars (such as DPC material), split canes, wire
Household bleach for cleaning seed heads
Grow lights (optional but useful in winter)
A selection of leek stock or seed heads
First-time growers who want clear, no-nonsense instructions they can actually follow.
Experienced gardeners who want to refine their technique and avoid common pitfalls.
Show growers who want the insider knowledge John has gained over 50 years on the bench.
Meet Your Instructor
John Soulsby has been growing leeks for over five decades. Known for his calm, straight-talking style, John has won consistently on the show bench and helped hundreds of growers across the UK improve their plants. His teaching blends practical detail with the experience that only comes from a lifetime of growing.
Join Now
Join Now
Frequently asked questions
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No, the course is beginner-friendly. John explains each stage so you can follow along, even if you’ve never grown leeks before.
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Yes. John shares proven methods to tackle pests, keep plants clean, and prepare them for the bench, knowledge that can help you improve your results.
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Because saving and replanting stock gives you stronger, more consistent leeks. You’ll also gain the satisfaction of carrying your own line forward, just as top growers do.
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This isn’t just about growing edible leeks for the kitchen. The course is focused on exhibition growing, producing uniform, heavy, clean plants with the right button, length, and finish to succeed on the show bench.
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Not necessarily. While John shows how he uses professional composts, collars, and lighting, he also explains alternative methods that suit smaller set-ups. The key is timing, cleanliness, and good practice, not expensive kit.
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Yes. A big part of the teaching is identifying and managing common problems like thrips, stemphylium, red spider mite, and virus. You’ll learn when to spray, how to ventilate properly, and how to keep plants clean so they reach the bench in top condition.