Topic: Onion sets - winter sowing

[Veggie Mad]

Hi everyone

I ordered onions sets, they have arrived last week.  Is it okay to plant/sow them now?  I have bought a polytunnel, would you recommend that I plant the onion sets under the polytunnel or without any cover?

All help is greatly appreciated as I have never bought onion sets before.

[tim]

I don't usually put mine in until March. Were there no instructions? Ask the supplier - they may be 'specials'?

No tunnel!

[Veggie Mad]

Thanks for replying.   I called the suppliers, they also said no tunnel required.  I can plant them anytime now.  I think i have a busy weekend coming up - onions, cauliflower and garlic all going in!  and bring in my chili plants.

[wardy]

I put one lot in on Saturday and have another batch (Turbo) on order.  Had some given me during the summer (from seed) which I put in but nothing seemed to happen and I thought they were dead.  However, am assured that they put down roots before shoots start appear on the top.  Phew!  I'm told I should keep them watered in dry spells.

My first lot I planted in November and they were harvested in July onwards this year and were fantastic.  Red ones too were very good so now I have enough onions to last me hopefully til next summer  :)

[Derekthefox]

I have also had a wonderful year for onions, a total of 800 harvested for the two seasons (winter and summer). They are real beauties too. We love onions !

Derekthefox :D

[wardy]

800!  Boy you do like onions.  Still, very good for you  :)

[tim]

They must be 'Japanese' onions??

Derek - 800 is none too many!!

[terrace max]

Absolutely spot on I'd say Derek. We use at least two onions per day, every day...

I seem to remember you grow a large amount of sweetcorn - do you have a big plot, or what?!

[kentishchloe]

Does anyone plait their onions & garlic?  I'd love to know how to do it.

[wardy]

My lotty neighbour did this with hers last weekend and they looked fab.  Me I just stuffed mine in a sack  ;D

[tim]

Not as pretty as plaiting, but see my thing on 'Plaiting'. Easy & serves as well. Looks less scrappy than plaiting when you eat into it!

[kentishchloe]

thanks Tim - shoulda known there'd be a thread on here somewhere. will give it a bash.

[tim]

Just to remind you -

[Svea]

i got my onions and garlic through the post today - the beg smelled faintly of garlic - yum! :)
but i  think i will wait until later in the year - putting them in late october or so
together with other autumn sowings/plantings