Hiya all,
I've got my Red Baron sets and have been advised to start them in the ground asap, I'm thinking of doing this next week under fleece. Last year I planted in march and had a mix of bolters and tiny bulbs so got nothing off the whole lot, so am hoping to get a head start this year.
The ground was manured last year for spuds so I was just going to apply blood, fish & bone at planting time.
Is anyone else starting theirs off yet or have any tips?
Cheers.
Jon
I'm sure there was a thread on here not long ago, I think they said it was better to plant later for reds so they didn't bolt :)
Red Baron's are well known for bolting early if they do not get optimal growing conditions. I put my red onions in either in October, to get established before winter hits, or in March when hopefully the ground has warmed up a bit!
I don't have any experience in growing onions under fleece, I guess you could try covering the ground with polythene to warm it first for a couple of weeks and then plant and fleece. They should enjoy the manure from last years potatoes, I also use chicken manure pellets in Spring to give them a boost. Or you could plant under cover, in a cold frame or polytunnel. Personally, I'm waiting until March to put my next batch in! ;)
Delay planting red baron 'til after the equinox!!( see my image in other post "stringed onions") these are keeping well, out of 100 sets, only had 2 bolt last year! ;)
Last year I put in my Red Baron sets in April,. None bolted.
As all ready said Jonny its too early for onions, my yellows go in mid March and reds in early April, its worth trying out a few under fleece and others later so you can compare at the end of the growing season. ;D ;D ;D