On the main plot I thought I would make use of the runner bean area by planting my hardy onion sets, figuring they would be gone by the time the beans were up the poles, however, after planting the whole area in November time, a good examination on Wednesday revealed over half the sets gone, and at least another quarter very weedy and pathetic with only a few looking good and strong. The rest of the sets planted further down the plot, gorgeous! I think this area may be to wet because last winter (Dec 2003) I dug a big bean trench and filled it with green stuff, shredded paper, manure, leaves etc then backfilled, and was rewarded with a monster crop of runners and french beans. I think the trench is doing it's job keeping the ground good and wet, which wasn't great for my onions! Good job my maincroppers have arrived....if only I could do something about the rot! >:(