Yes, the comment about throwing away the pan really cracked me up. As I read the thread I kept wondering how a quick dip in boiling oil was worse than a smash with a rock or shoe. Lots of people used to just use a jar of water for pests and let them drown. This seems rather humane to me. Well except for throwing them at the boys..lol. I didn't respond on that thread either. Your restraint is noticed. Smiles. They probably don't like the parasitic wasps either. Hmmm... wonder if any of them would pick the wasp eggs off and then 'release' the worms to the 'wild'.

I have Wild Leek. Harvested in Wi. in 2008. Interested in Bush Beans, Dragon's Tongue. Big Dummy

Hi nannOn. It is nice to see your interest in our beloved (by some) wild leeks. I believe you could grow them there, but it might require some dedication on your part. You must likely consider photoperiod. I believe that they usually have completed their growth by around the summer solstice, and then begin to sinesce. After they have produced seed you would likely have to dig the bulbs and first refridgerate, and then freeze the bulbs for a period of time before thawing, refridgerating, and then planting them again for the next season. That is my guess. I would love to know if they could survive, perhaps reproducing only by division, in your climate. One likely problem may be that they are a "spring ephemeral" and occupy a specialized niche that exploites the brief period of time in the spring with cold, but not frozen soil, before the trees and shrubs have fully leafed out. Dappled sunlight is probably the best way to describe their typical habitat here in the northeast US. If you are really serious about trying them out, I am sure we can get you some seeds down under!

I posted this on a new thread, but figured I'd ask on this one as well, since the subject of Ramps came up. I would LOVE to try growing some Ramps on my property - have plenty of possible sites what with 21 acres of mixed habitat. In a couple of weeks they will start trickling into our local farmers & gourment markets, & trust me - they get a pretty penny for just a small bunch. Since I've never seen seed or plants offered from regular onion suppliers, & since the grocers sell the Ramps whole like scallions, what are the chances that I could buy some from the market & stick them in ground as if I was planting an onion plant? And yes, Ramps are more pungent than scallions/chives/leeks/etc., but in a good way from my viewpoint. It IS kind of odd to cook because the leaves are thin & broad like a green, not like something from the onion family at all. I like to saute them simply in a bit of extra virgin olive oil & butter, add a little salt & freshly ground pepper, & either serve them atop a steak or as a side dish with something plain, like a roast chicken.