Onion find on new allotment

[dreadrjr]

Hello all I have been a keen grower for about 20yrs now but I've only grown veg for the last 8! I have taken on an allotment in Warlingham, Surrey and after my first day clearing the site I have found an area of onions and Shallots. Now my question is will I be able to leave these infor this seasons or should I dig them up and plant more. I assume they were last year's crop that were never lifted as the site tell me its been empty for 6mts. Sorry to dive into a question straight away. But the days are ticking. Regards Darren

[rustylady]

Do they have any green growth on them, or do they look like mature onions with decent size bulbs?

[Aberdeenplotter]

If the onions are very small, there is a chance they may have naturally formed sets and will grow on this coming season. However, onions are biennials and the chances are they will just bolt. I would lift them and use them.

Shallot bulbs divide internally during the growing season and form numerous bulbs in a clump. If yours were planted last year, you will have clumps of shallots which will then grow on to form big clumps which isn't a good idea. Lift and use but keep some back and replant singly
as seed for this years crop

[dreadrjr]

Thanks for replying. They all seem golf ball size and some have freen shoots and some don't.

[Aberdeenplotter]

if they are as big as golf ball size,definitely use them. The greenery is edible