Failed Leeks

Could anyone suggest why my friends leeks lived but failed to develop. Lives in the same town as I do but mine were tremendous. He grew in a raised bed in approx 9" of spent compost but no fertiliser. I grew in the soil with dug in spent greenhouse compost and lightly dressed with farmyard manure, We both puddled young plants in quite deeply in late June. Many thanks in anticipation.

I think you've said it all - his spent compost will have few nutrients left, and he didn't feed them.

Your soil will (presumably) have some nutrients, plus you added farmyard manure.

Would he expect his children to grow and develop healthily if he didn't feed them? 

I agree Dove. However, I'm low experience and hes an old hand. I told him much the same as you.  He asked me to get confirmation here. Thanx for the backup.