optimum planting times

[hawthorns]

which month is the best time to plant over wintering onion sets? should they be protected from the rain or just left to get on with it.

when do the garlic go out ?

[Demeter]

I believe it's October for both.
As long as your soil isn't going to puddle I don't see the point of protecting them from rain, as they are going to be out there all winter anyway.
Someone who actually know will be along soon

[T-lady]

I've worked on the principle of planting them on the longest night and harvesting them around the longest night (depending on variety). I read it somewhere and it's worked fine for me.