leek problem advice please

[debs]

Hi,
I am fairly new to veg gardening and I have not got an ideal spot that I grow my veg in as it is shaded a little by trees. My beds are raised and filled with home made compost and I have also fed them with BFB. My problem is with leeks among other things. I bought leek plants last august and planted them with a dibber and filled the holes up with water rather than soil. The leek plants were the size of a pencil. I planted them in two beds one more shaded than the other but both beds of leeks have not grown any more. They are still roughly the size that put them in. What have I done wrong. what can I do to improve my crop for next year? I cannot get any more light in as I am on the edge of a conservation village and the trees are on the village green. Help please
Debs

[johnmichael]

Leek seedlings should be bought and planted out usually in june or early july.Leeks like light moist soil that has been manured for a previous crop,if organic matter is needed it is best to dig in well rotted garden compost.Leeks do best on a firm soil and should follow lettuce cabbage or peas in crop rotation.water young plants well in dry conditions,apply a liquid manure feed soon after planting.Perhaps the position is not sunny enough?Planting in august is probably to late.Will cover mine with mesh this year as leek moth destroyed crop.