Onions and leeks

Can anyone explain the art of growing onions and leeks? I'm not even sure that it will be possible in my garden, as all of my veggies have to be grown in re-usable grow bags, but if it was possible I'd like to give it a shot.

What is the difference between onion sets and seeds? Are they a lot more flavoursome than shop bought?

And leeks - are they difficult, or need special conditions to grow?

 

So onions probably would grow in my bags then, but not leeks as they need deeper planting?

 

I tried spring onions this year, and failed miserably - I think they got drowned by the rain to be honest, and never really recovered.

I placed my veggie bags up against the shed this year, with the intention that they would be less intrusive there, however that is the shady side of the garden, and I am reckoning that has had a big bearing on it - so, for next year, the entire length of fence up the side of the patio will become the fruit and veggies area with tomato plants nearest the house, and then the veggie bags running up the remainder.

I am going to cannibalise my old polytunnel to make a cross between mini-greenhouse and a cloche which I can use to grow veggies behind (for those that will do better under cover) - yet easy enough for me to remove when the weather gets really hot so that they can breathe; anyway, that is a whole different thread which I will start later on.

 

Bookmarked! Thank you

 

I understand onions don't like being grown in grow bag compost. If you have no choice you have to be very careful not to over water them. Usually grow bags have a peat based compost which can get quite soggy, that would make onions/leeks rot off. My onions and leeks do really well in my poor soil, I don't add any compost nor fertilize much. They are one of the easiest crops to grow but need really good drainage, in grow bags that might be tricky unless you replace the compost with soil

 

These are the growbags that I am using - seem to be fairly decent so far - no reason why I couldn't fill one with top soil as opposed to compost - cost would be comparable I'd imagine

 

Thanks Freddy - I might give onions a shot next year, and see how they go and then try leeks thereafter, as they sound like they want that bit more attention; given that I have only had very limited success with stuff as simple as lettuce this year, I might be best not to go too far next year - that said, I am keen to get more edibles out of the garden.

 

Ah I see, I had in mind those little grobags for some reason. What you have look much more suitable fc Yes filled with topsoil would be better for onions/leeks.

 

Thanks John,

I'll fill a couple with topsoil then, one for leeks one for onions.

Any particular varieties that I should be looking out for, seed wise (particularly given the growing conditions)?

 

I know others grow from seed, but I find sets so much easier. I think the main thing with onion sets is to plant them a bit later than the instructions say. I wait till late March through to late April depending on the weather. Then they don't bolt. Sets avoid fiddling about with seed sowing, pricking out etc. I usually grow Sturnon and Stuttgarder (sp?) which store really well (i.e. over winter until March/April next year). This year I'm growing Centurion which is supposed to be better, but time will tell. My location is close to you so timings should be the same.