Onion Sets

[Oola]

Technically one for the smallholding forum, but it can go here too - just a note to say that apparently the price of onions is going to rise this year, thanks in part to last year's soggy summer. So get your onion seeds or sets in if you haven't already!

This year I am planting the following onions:

Hercules (delicious, esp. in soups)
Red Baron
Giant Stuttgarter (never tried before)

I also have some super early Radar onion sets growing at the moment, should be ready in a couple of months hopefully (if it stops snowing).

[eleanor2]

oola i think growing onions is a must.they seem to grow well whatever.if you dry them well they last for months. i grow all my stuff organically.this year i was thinking of putting extra onions in .theres nothing like strings of onions hanging in your kitchen. i quite often finish drying mine on the washing line dont know what the neighbours think.

[Healing Hands]

I have planted 100 onions Oola and 50 Shallots. I had heard that onions are going to be expensive next winter maybe I should of planted more.

[Oola]

There's still time to get more in, I've not yet planted all of mine yet.

[eleanor2]

i havn't even bought mine yet.i never put mine in unill the begining of may.

[Ivy]

I never had any luck with onions what do you do that they are not eaten by insects or rot away?

[Oola]

Well, my onion sets always start off in a fleece polytunnel to keep the hens off them, as they have a habit of scratching up the sets! I guess this helps with the insects in the early stages too.

They stay like that for a few months before they're strong enough to 'go it alone'. We have very well draining soil (quite sandy in places), which is ideal for onions and carrots. I think heavier soils can cause them to go a bit soggy and rot.

[Ivy]

ok than I better start something else no onions for me:(

[eleanor2]

my soil is quite rich but drains well.i have never really had any trouble with onions.i find beetroots easy to.carrots now they have failed me.

[eleanor2]

if anyone grows beetroot by the way.have you picked it and cooked it the same day.it is so much more sweeter.i am wondering if they are a bit like peas and the sugars start to break down once they are picked.so they are best cooked and stored .i love my beetroot without vinegar.

[Crocus]

I sometimes bake young beetroot in the oven with a bit of olive oil, a whole clove or 2 and a stick of cassia, salt and pepper - lovely. Sorry, I'm totally of topic here!