This discussion has been closed.
Posted by cooperbean (U13920738) on Saturday, 5th February 2011
Good afternoon, I have bought quite a lot of onion sets for this year. Is is ok to start them off in pots? and what is the best time to put them in the ground?
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by Kleftiwallah (U13700999) on Saturday, 5th February 2011
You can stick 'em in the soil just about any time now. But remember, don't just push them into the ground, dig a likkle 'ole first. After planting make sure you cover them with netting as the birds tend to pull them up as they look for bugs.
And it's easy to plant them upside down! Look twice, plant once, modification of the old proverb! Cheers, Tony.
Kind thanks but wont the frost kill em? L
Onions are very hardy so frosts shouldn't worry them. But they won't grow much if it's very cold. You can also plant them in pots or modules - that's what I usually do as the ground here in the Cairngorms stays frozen a long time and I like to give the sets an early start in the polytunnels. The only problem with the pots is that you then need somewhere to put them
So you can either plant them in the ground or in pots - whatever is most convenient for you
, in reply to message 4.
Posted by Kleftiwallah (U13700999) on Saturday, 5th February 2011
I agree with what northwards has said. Wouldn't it be good to have some idea of the geographical position of the person asking the question ? Cheers, Tony.
Hi, northwards,
Is it ok just to plant sets in pots in multi purpose compost ie grow bag soil before planting out later in the spring.
Hi zoomer
That's pretty much what I do. I just plant them individually in modules (about 2 - 2 1/2 inches across) in multipurpose compost, water them in a little bit and put them in the polytunnels , though you could put them in the greenhouse, cold frame or whatever you have to hand
They don't sprout much in the pots but they do put on a nice lot of root growth and get away nicely when I plant them outside. That's April for me but might be earlier for you depending on where you are
Hi Cooperbean,
Just wanted to share some info I read in a book that sprinkling the area you plan to plant the onions with wood ash is beneficial to them - has anyone else heard of this ? I have returned from my sons with a few bags of it and will be raking it in over the next few weeks ..... or not depending on your comments. Could this be nother one of Mum's crackpot ideas!
Good luck from Ladyscarecrow
Thank you Northwards. I'm in the NW. Haven't bought my onion sets yet, didn't want to get them to early in case they dried out before planting out time but knowing they can go in modules I'll get some now, presumably I can do the same with shallots.
Hi zoomer
I've never tried starting shallots off in pots but I don't see why you couldn't do it. I do start off garlic in pots which works fine, and if you can treat onions and garlic that way, I don't see why it wouldn't work with shallots
Let us know how you get on
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by shirleyrainbowflower (U14778315) on Sunday, 6th February 2011
yes,its ok to start them in pots,but can put in the ground now,if its not too water logged.
Presuming you are living in the UK, it is far too early for planting onion sets outdoors...planting them into cold soil will almost always results in them bolting.
I buy heat treated sets and plant them (ground conditions permitting) in early April here in the Midlands.
Hi Ladyscarecrow, I think the wood ash is one of the things to help reduce the effects of onion white rot. In a previous posting I discussed how the "old hands" swear by soot but some think it's carcinogenic and so not a good idea. I suspect wood ash has similar properties. Certainly when I were a lad my dad always put the ash from the grate on the garden and I don't remember any major disasters.
, in reply to message 13.
Posted by Ladyscarecrow (U14747601) on Thursday, 10th February 2011
Hi,
Thanks for that I have to put this ash somewhere so on the onion bed it goes and I will report at the end of the season if there was any difference to last years' crop.
f_biggrin
Welcome to the new Gardening Board. If this is your first time, then make sure you check out the
or  to take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
Weekdays 09:00-00:00
Weekends 10:00-00:00
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú © 2014 The Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.