Onion sets are away
I always find this effect vaguely amusing. As onion sets start to sprout, the outer skin often detaches itself and ends up sitting on the new shoot like a bishop’s mitre.
The onions are loving the deluge; this time last year I was frantically watering them – daily – to ensure they rooted. This year they’re drowning.
PS Many thanks to all for kind words in response to last post. I’ve pulled myself together and will try not to moan so much…
PPS Looks like a good year to test my theory about downy mildew on onions. I reckon cold, damp weather in early season is the cause. So 2012 should be a bumper mildew year.
*groans*
Hi Soilman
I wonder if you have had a go at sowing onions from seed. I have done it for the last couple of years and it seems to work out OK and is cheaper than sets. I planted some French Cervennes around Easter and they are just starting to show. As you say the deluges following the declaration of the hosepipe ban have been even marvellous for crops previously cowering in the dust. God bless Mr. Howell
I hope you are feeling better this week. I come from the school of ‘pull yourself together’ but I assume that if you could you would – so take it easy –
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Kevin: I’ve never had onion fly (touch wood), so no experience to help I fear…
Tom: Sowed onion seed once, and it worked OK… but by God it was hard work, and took up SO much space in my tiny greenhouse before I could get them planted out. Can’t be bothered, I’m afraid!
April 23rd, 2012 at 6:30 pm
What are blogs for if not to moan away, from time to time. Someone I don’t know well recently told me very intimate details about her life because, she said, “I’ve read your blog and thought you of all people could recommend good therapist.” I hated to disappoint her.
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:48 pm
My onions aren’t through yet and have never done this…the photo is quite amusing though!!
I’ve never watered my onions either….just pushed them in the ground and they have always grown well.
April 24th, 2012 at 8:22 am
We’re getting warmth and rain at the moment, but slightly more of one than the other! Stuff is shooting up everywhere – especially the weeds!
April 29th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
That onion is hilarious. It is almost naughty.
Hey, one of the wonderful thing about the internet is the opportunity to find like-minded people who are willing to listen to us whine or babble on about strangely arcane interests. No worries about the moaning.
May 2nd, 2012 at 5:19 am