Onion sets

[DocAlgae]

This is a really stupid question, but how do I know which way up to plant onion sets?  I've had a good close look at my batch of overwintering ones that arrived yesterday, and can't for the life of me work it out! :-[

[DocAlgae]

[tim]

They should show some sign of a dried-up root at the fatter end?
And the top is more neatly pointy?

When you plant, don't push them in or they'll push themselves out again. I like to dib a shallow hole for them. And scuff the soil back around the top so that it's not so tempting for the birds. = Tim

[rdak]

I agree with Tim re: covering the tops. The books say to leave some exposed, but that is too much of a temptation for the birds.

[teresa]

the birds dont eat them they play with them and on my lottie they take dustbaths now if I sow anything I have to cover in fleece to give seeds a chance so the onions will get the same treatment. It looks like I put lottie to bed. Then theres the moles improve the ground and look what happens oh the joys.

[tim]

And tweak them out as soon as the shoots appear - or by the dried tops. So best to have some anchorage. = Tim

[Tenuse]

Last year when I planted my autumn sets I put a bit of netting over them until they had sprouted, kept the birds off.

Forgot the netting this year when I went up to plant, so of course the pigeons have been having a great time tugging them out of the ground and ruining my pretty red/white pattern!!!

Ten x