Onion Sets

Onions are one of those versatile vegetables that cooks cannot do without; they not only include the large onions but also chives and the ornamental alliums. Onions are helpful in lowering high blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. Growing your own allows you to grow varieties other than the brown and red  which are usually the only ones available in supermarkets. They need fertile free draining soil in sun so if you have heavy clay or light sandy soils incorporate some organic matter. You are much more likely to get a good crop off onion sets (small immature onions) rather than sowing seed as this can be quite tricky. Plant the onion sets with the top just visible and cover with a fleece tunnel as pigeons love to pull the newly planted onions out. Harvest once the foliage has started to die back and is folded over, leave the sun to ripen them for 2 - 3 weeks then lift and dry out. Click here to read the blog giving you hints and tips on how to grow your own.