Shallots

[allotmentlady]

I would really appreciate it if anyone has got some advice about shallots. Last season, we planted them out and they grew very well, they were big anf we picked them July. We let them dry outside and then hung them in the shed. Now this is the prob, when I came to take them home to pickle them, they were all rotten!!! Where did I go wrong? Whens best to plant/pick them?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Two_Sheds]

Plant shallots 15cm (6in) apart in rows 23cm (9in) apart from mid-February to mid-March.

Your shed is most likely damp. If it's not heated ... it'll be damp. The damp will then rot your stored veg.
It happened to me in 2005 ... now I bring my stuff home to dry out properly.

[allotmentlady]

Plant shallots 15cm (6in) apart in rows 23cm (9in) apart from mid-February to mid-March.

Your shed is most likely damp. If it's not heated ... it'll be damp. The damp will then rot your stored veg.
It happened to me in 2005 ... now I bring my stuff home to dry out properly.

thanks for that

[allaboutliverpool]

It is important to dry the shallots thoroughly. If the weather is fair, lift them from the ground and leave in the sun to ripen and dry.

You will find that they start the process themselves by growing so much that many of them are pushed up and the roots snapped.

If the weather is generally poor, put them under cover in the light, ie a frame or greenhouse.

Store in a cool dry place, I have found my shed ok but it is waterproof and there is nothing damp stored there.



You can see how I do it on:-

allaboutallotments_Vegetables_shallots

[PAULW]

Another problem I have found is if for any reason they decide to bolt (dry/wet/hot/cold) you can be left with a green shoot next to the bulb that will not dry out no matter what this then tends to rot taking the main bulb with it, I spend hours picking through and peeling the shallots and onions so I can take this shoot out

[allotmentlady]

It is important to dry the shallots thoroughly. If the weather is fair, lift them from the ground and leave in the sun to ripen and dry.

You will find that they start the process themselves by growing so much that many of them are pushed up and the roots snapped.

If the weather is generally poor, put them under cover in the light, ie a frame or greenhouse.

Store in a cool dry place, I have found my shed ok but it is waterproof and there is nothing damp stored there.



You can see how I do it on:-

allaboutallotments_Vegetables_shallots

thanks for the info and pics, the shallots look fab, the link is very good, will spend coffee time tomorrow reading, do i have your permission to print info off of it please?

[sarflo]

I dry mine on the wire shelves in my plastic growhouse (not impressive enough to called a greenhouse!!) as all the plants etc have been planted out by the time the shallots ripen.