Onion sets in modules?

[Protea]

Very excited as my massive onion, shallot and potato order turned up from T&M today!

Last year i planted all my onion sets directly into the ground, and it worked pretty much OK, however my Dad (who i gave my surplus shallot sets too) started his shallot and onion sets off in modules and then planted these out once rooted and sprouting.

What are the advantages of starting them off in modules? I want to attempt to show some of my shallots in September - would modules give them a better start and therefore bigger/better quality bulbs?

[rustylady]

You can certainly start onion sets off in modules. Main thing is to make sure they don't get a check when you plant them out (i.e. going from nice warm conditions in the greenhouse straight to absolutely freezing on the lottie). Main advantage I've found is that they develop good roots in cells, whereas if you put them straight into the ground on the lottie the birds tend to pull them out and throw them around before they even get started.