Planting Onions and Shallot Sets
Easy to grow for beginners, onion sets mature early, and are less prone to disease. Onions prefer a sheltered sunny site, with well drained soil. Avoid freshly manured ground as this can lead to rotting
- Plant the sets (pointy end up) 10cm (4") apart in rows 30cm (12") apart
- Push into the ground so just the tip is showing and firm the soil around them
- Mid March to April is the ideal time to plant. Can be planted in February if the soil is not too wet or frosty
- Harvest - shallots sholuld be ready in July, onions in August/September
- For fresh use lift when they reach a usable size
- For storing, when leaves turn yellow they are ready. Lift and dry off for 2 to 3 weeks. Clean off before storing in a frost free environment
