Allotments 4 All

Hi everybody

I really don't want to miss the boat this year - I need to get organised !!and write things down!!
Could you tell me when Shallots, Japanese onion sets and Garlic go in the ground please

many thanks

As soon as you like. The recommended time is October. Japanese onions in particular need to be well established before winter. Which reminds me, I need to get some.

Not if its too wet though.  :(       ;D ;D ;D

Can someone tell me more about Japanese onions? I have never seen them in France.
People here seem to only over winter shallots, although I spring planted mine this year and they did OK I will be planting my garlic in October, late and this year I will try several varieties (well at least 2)  ;)

MarcusExeter is cute isn't he  ;D

Japanese or over-wintering onions:  I did really well with Keepwell last year, but can't find my seeds, so I've got Senshyu this year (sets & seeds).   Sets from QD/Wilko for about a quid. 

Radar didn't do so well for me.  They all bolted very quickly.  A bit more info here: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/vegging-out/autumn-onion-seeds-radar_20943.html

Garlic needs a month or more in the ground at 10C or less and it's best to plant in October/November to achieve this. However, some of the long dormancy varieties (e.g. Arno and Cristo which are both RHS Award of Gardening Merit winners) can be planted up to March. "Long Dormancy" means that cloves will keep from harvesting in July/August until the following Spring. "Short dormancy" means cloves should keep until Christmas. Hope this helps.