Onion Growing 2024

www.thelocalchimneysweep.co.uk/how-to-recycle-soot/

 

Speak for your self!
One might be surprised as to the results obtained by gently asking in the right quarters.......

 

I've had allium leaf miner on leeks before which were quite annoyjng


Moved my onions out to the greenhouse. Got good germination in the end. About 150 spring onions of ishikura and white Lisbon, 240 or so of zebrune shallots and sweet white Spanish.

 

This reminds me of when I was working, now the boss I had was the best person I'd ever worked for and was a good employer.
There used to be this old bloke who he knew from way back who would drop in every now and then, "on the earhole", (as we call it), for bits and pieces of wood.

Now the boss was always as nice as pie to him.

But he would always say to us afterwards, he's a right PITA keep coming round here scrounging.

 

All I can say is I never do personally, its not like germinating seeds.

 

Looking at my mud pool I dont think mine will be going in until April this year, I have a mess to sort out and cant do much until we get some dry weather.

 

Yes, have done sets that way for several years. I use the trays that garden centres get their potplants delivered on (typically 18 place, to take a .75 litre pot) These have large drainage holes and onions grow a nice cluster of roots to permit easy transplanting approx 3 weeks after placing sets. This has advantages of : easy and early establishment, simple to plant with trowel into no -dig bed, heavy so the birds dont pull them out, able to see any failures therefore no gaps. Dont leave in a warm greenhouse for too long, just till you can see
green tip ,and roots emerging at base. First tranche planted out this week.

 

What variety for big Onions ?
I want to get grand-daughters interested in growing onions, so as above; can anyone recommend giant varieties ? -- to be grown in plastic containers, 30 litres etc.

I realise that a lot of care will be needed, watering, compost, fertiliser etc.
I fancy sets rather than seeds.

Any advice much appreciated
John

 

Not into showing or 'freaks', but the classic large onion is Kelsae. Not known to be available as sets although you could buy these:
www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk/collections/shop?q=kelsae+onion+plants
Depending upon the age of your grandkids, 3+, I would start them on growing an onion(from the shop) over water in a jar. Then grow from a cut onion(bottom third planted) and hope it flowers and sets seed.
Meanwhile let them plant some sets. Stuttgarter Giant can be large and are widely available. Youngsters lose interest if they have to wait for months to see a result.Other '' instant'' crops may be mustard ,cress, radish, nasturtiums (edible), and lettuce are quick.