I'm a bit worried about my onions...

[Pumpkin Becki]

I planted some onion sets in the autumn of 'Swift' and 'Radar'. I did them as per the instructions. I didn't put any manure on the bed, and I planted them so that just the tip was showing.

They look okay above ground - nice healthy leaves, but below the surface, the sets themselves seem to have shrunk to the diameter of the leaf sprout so they look abit like spring onions now.

Is that what sets do? Will they fill out again as the year goes on? Or have I done something disasterously wrong?

Please help - I can't be without my onions!!

[Flummery]

If they look ok above the deck they are probably ok. I've never bothered to delve below to see what's happening down there so that may be normal for all I know! Have faith!

[HeyWayne]

I planted some of the same sets last October/November and very few (if any) have made much of a start in the ground. I planted some in pots at the same time and they're doing pretty well.

Hoping to get onto the plot - even if it's just for a look around, at some point over the Easter weekend, and I'm hoping to see some shoots coming out of the ground.

Fingers crossed for yours.

[PAULW]

PB
Give them a feed a few handfuls of growmore over the bed will surfice.

[Birdie Wife]

They should be absolutely fine, they uses the nutrient in the set to throw out good strong roots and leaves, after that the bulb will start growing again.

[Snadger]

I agree with BW, mine are eactly the same. The old 'set' is just a store until they start growing again when, you'll love this word, they become superfluous!

[Birdie Wife]

Superfluous! That's a great word!

[Pumpkin Becki]

Perfect! Thanks everyone!

I've been so worried they might go the same way as last springs lot (RIP) but I think that might have been the weather rather than me!!

I'll give 'em a dose of blood, fish and bone as well to keep them perky