2013 Onion Growing Challenge

I usually use MP compost but seen as i'm trying to be clever with these 'ere Mammoth Onions i've used JI seed compost...it's lovely stuff

 

I've had better onion/leek germination with Westland JI seed compost than other stuff. 10 litres with 33% extra free for £2.50 from Wilkos. It's cheaper (checking online) at Wickes but they don't have any in stock yet.

 

Hello chums.

Here's mine....




They're a bit spindly, but I'm not able with my current set-up to get the lighting any closer. They'll be ok though.

Cheers...Freddy

 

Looking good freddy!!!!
Some of my Bedfordshire champs are just starting to show but no sign of the aisla Craig's yet

 

Thanks Dan

As you can see, I don't have many as the germination rate isn't very good. However, I only need 18. I'll be growing them in one of my 8'x4' raised beds, 6 rows of 3

 

I've been giving this some thought. I'm thinking that the heat setting is set too high. It never falls below 20c, but the problem is I'm trying to also germinate some Canna. Problems problems...

 

My second sowings of Mammoths look a bit happier than the first

 

Yep, they look good

 

Yes John. Thing is, I'm already burning up 500w, can't really justify any more

 

That's the problem....where do you stop......
I've a heated bench that's ticking over keeping my Fushias frost free,a TC prop for my onions and another prop (not TC) with Chillis and others in.....the more i get the more i sow still never have enough.......

 

True that, loli. I suppose I need to keep in mind that I won't have the same problem next year, as I wont be trying to grow monster onions. That means I can dedicate my heating/lighting to those things that really need it. I do actually have a non TC propagator, which is what I normally use for my onions, in March, when the light is much better.

 

I think it's only fair to say that I only grow Kelsaes because I love the taste of them, because they are giants, is just incidental, lots more on my plate though!

 

They're perfect in flavour, strength & size for adding a massive slice when making cheese & onion sandwiches. If using large slices of homemade bread I'll use up to 4ozs of onion/sandwich, and enjoy it so much I'll make another one, especially after a session on the homebrew.