2013 Onion Growing Challenge

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Freddy, Oct 7, 2012.

  1. Freddy

    Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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    Absolutely right Scrunge, I was only speaking from a personal point of view:blue thumb:
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    My lights come on at 8am and switch off at 6pm. I intend to gradually adjust/increase the time to co-incide with the natural daylengths - maybe start doing that in a months time, so when the weather is right for transplanting outside it won't be too much of a shock for them.

    It's my first time growing onion seedlings so I'm making it up as I go along :blue thumb:
     
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      I took a better photo of my light set-up:

      IMG_7426.JPG

      They look a bit lonely in there. This weekend I intend to prick them out so as to give them a bit more room.
       
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      • Freddy

        Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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        Looking good John:blue thumb:
         
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        • Freddy

          Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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          Interesting to note the differences between Scrunge and John, ref timings and duration. I plan to light up mine between the hours of 5am and 12 mid-day, taking advantage of available daylight(bearing in mind that mine will be in the greenhouse from the start). I'll gradually increase the duration inline with the lengthening days. Will it work? I don't have a clue! :)
           
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          • Scrungee

            Scrungee Well known for it

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            PM/Convo them for pics!
             
          • Freddy

            Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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            Our viewers need proof!:)
             
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            • Freddy

              Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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              Seriously though, it won't be much of a comp if some of us fall at the first hurdle. So come on folks, let's see your 'crooks':)
               
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              • Steve R

                Steve R Soil Furtler

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                Robinsons Mammoth Red

                [​IMG]

                Robinsons Mammoth White

                [​IMG]

                Kelsae

                [​IMG]

                Ailsae

                [​IMG]

                Bedfordshire Champion

                [​IMG]

                Robinsons Mammoth Red (Second Pot)

                [​IMG]

                Robinsons Mammoth White (Second Pot)

                [​IMG]

                The whole lot... (left to right in the photo represents Top to bottom in the photo list above.)

                [​IMG]

                Steve...:)
                 
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                • Freddy

                  Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                  Hiya Steve.

                  Interesting to note that your Kelsae haven't (as yet) germinated very well, or maybe you only sowed a few? I've had to re-sow mine, and they still ain't showing:frown:

                  Looking at them, they look a bit drawn, any chance you can offer more light?

                  Cheers...Freddy
                   
                • Steve R

                  Steve R Soil Furtler

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                  Nope...sat in a south facing window! Without artificial they have as much as is available. They just need potting on...

                  Kelsae seed came from Scrungee, same batch as he sowed and had no show with.

                  Steve...:)
                   
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                  • Scrungee

                    Scrungee Well known for it

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                    I sowed Kelsae seeds in two 70 x 70mm pots and got 13 seedlings good enough for pricking out, so probably 30 - 40% germination, but Robinsons Mammoth Red was less than that. For comparison, germination of Wilkos Ailsa Craig onion seeds costing 60p/pkt (and 3 for 2) was around 100%.
                     
                  • Vince

                    Vince Not so well known for it.

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                    OK, progress to date....

                    The Kelsae

                    2013 kelsae crook 2.jpg

                    Long Red Florence

                    2013 LRF crook.jpg


                    I know they desperately need transplanting, I'll do it once my compost mix has defrosted thoroughly!:)
                     
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                    • Vince

                      Vince Not so well known for it.

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                      This year I'm trying out different transplanting, some I'll transplant into 64 cell seed tray inserts, some into 1.5" plant pots and a few into 5" plant pots, it will be interesting to see how root development varies per method, if at all.
                       
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                      • Vince

                        Vince Not so well known for it.

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                        Oh Yes! my new onion bed has come up trumps, despite last nights deluge and the associated snow thaw, it has drained perfectly, I'm a happy chappy :dancy:
                         
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