Help needed with shallots.

[gracie]

HI

I'm new to this gardening lark (my mum always told me what to do), but i've decided that this year i'm going to try some veg.

Ive put my giant garlic bulbs in (hope i'm not too early as i got confused i read that they should be in before christmas but since i put them in 2 weeks ago i realised that i have a spring variety ).

Anyway back to the topic i've got some shallot bulbs (Golden gormet) it says to plant them in early spring but when is that (i live in the northwest)?

It also says 10cm apart but i've read that they should be more than that.

Sorry about all the questions but i've just thought of another i've got a variety of early carrots and it says that you can plant them in Feb will i still be able to even though i live in the Northwest (how I wish my grandad was around he was the veg grower in the family).

Help this is all too confusing.

Thanks.

[pigletwillie]

You can plant your golden gourmet ideally from March time in your area, but be governed by the condition of your ground. You should plant when the soil is a bit warmer and drier than in winter, ie after the worse of the rain and frosts. Dont panic if its a bit later than this, they will still return a good crop.

Somebody who lives in your area I am sure will post a rough idea about when to plant.

[rustylady]

If you have cloches you can plant shallots now, Ideally put the cloches over the area you are going to plant for at least a week to warm the soil, plant the shallots and re-cover with the cloches. These will keep them warm and also stop the birdies pulling them out

[Lesley Jay]

What soil type do you have? If you are on horrible, soaking wet clay like me then you need to wait for the ground to dry out a bit.