We transplanted onions and leeks today. We are about two weeks ahead of schedule and with plants from Delaware, not the greenhouse. We started seed ourselves, but formidable pest problems caused us to look for another option. Earlier this year Cait noticed an ad for a farm that sells transplants in Growing For Market. I called Deep Grass Nursery and they were able to supply everything we needed. We aim to start all our own seed, but it is nice to know that there are back up options available. 
In the same issue of Growing For Market there is an article about growing perfect leeks, which has a picture of a dibbler. Here is my prototype. It worked great, especially compared to our other method, a 12” stick laid flat on the ground.
The soil in the picture above was perennial grass 13 months ago. Last year transplanting was difficult and pushing the seeder was nearly impossible. Multiple passes with the chisel plow, disk and rototiller were unable to break up all the sod. The difference this year is striking. There are still some traces of the old sod, but for the most part the dibbler sank to the hilt with out obstruction. I find good soil much like good sushi, buttery and smooth. We are not there yet, but I am excited to see how plant growth will be affected after a year of decompostion and the addition of compost and Planters II.
Hey, Seth… thanks for a great look at the progress of “our” veggies. We can’t wait!