"to seal the leaves"

[imchongjun]

Hello, teachers.
Would you please explain what "to seal" means in the next sentence?

I've got to be in my garden afore dark, for they're
going to seal the leek leaves to-night against the leek-show next week.

This is from a novel describing the late 19th century English country town. Does "to seal" mean "to mark the leaves with some kind of stamp"? I am afraid that my question is a horticultural one rather than a linguistic one, but I don't know anywhere else to ask this. I appreciate any information and suggestions. Thank you!!

 

[vil]

Hi ymchongjun,

I am not a teacher.

leek = plant having a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves used in cooking.

leek-show = `annually leek-exhibition

seal = make tight, secure against leakage
seal = vanish = to give a smooth and glossy finish to
to give a deceptively attractive appearance to; gloss over

seal the leek leaves = to prepare the leek leaves for the forthcoming leek show

Westray is confident that he will take the first prize this year on the leek show, which is going to carry out the next week, because his leek
this season will beat any plant that has grown in this remote Dorset town.

Regards.

V.

 

[imchongjun]

Hi, vil.
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that someone who read "The Nebuly Coat" answered my question. But I am still unsure about the sentence in question. Since the subject who are going to "seal the leak leaves" is "they", I thought the judges or organizers of the show are going to do something to the leaves so that there won't be any foul play or mistakes in the contest. And since the leak leaves are very big, I thought it is possible to stamp a seal on them. Am I wrong?

 

[vil]

Hi imchongjun,

You were really wrong. I insist to my previous statement. To seal = preparing from the forthcoming show. I might add a new modification:close with or as if with a seal, to fasten close tightly by or as by seal, to close hermetically.

There are a few word in confirmation of this opinion:

The air and water tight seal will keep your food and products fresh.

or

Fold and crimp the edges of the foil to seal the package.

or

Cut off roots and trim dark green tops from the leeks. Discard any tough outer leaves. Cut each leave in half lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Place leeks in large bowl of cold water, ... to remove any sand. Transfer leeks to colander. Repeat process, changing water several times until all sand is removed.

then follow putting in a pot, closing and boiling for achieving a good sealing.

Close and seal the pot!

You could see alone in Goggle many details about the organization of the leek show as well as many others shows and exhibitions where indeed the marking/ branding/stamping is necessary.

Regards.

V.

 

[Anglika]

Hi, vil.
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that someone who read "The Nebuly Coat" answered my question. But I am still unsure about the sentence in question. Since the subject who are going to "seal the leak leaves" is "they", I thought the judges or organizers of the show are going to do something to the leaves so that there won't be any foul play or mistakes in the contest. And since the leak leaves are very big, I thought it is possible to stamp a seal on them. Am I wrong?

When growing leeks for show, the grower will tie the leaves up to prevent dirt from getting into them and to stop weather or insects from damaging them. They are "sealing" them.

 

[imchongjun]

Hello, Anglika and vil. Thank you so much for your detailed and clear explanation. Very helpful!!