preparing the onion bed for winter onions

[queen of the cobs]

Dear all,

I'm going to try overwintering some onion sets for the first time - had a look on the board and have bought some senshyu and Radr, as people seem to recommend those varities for a beginner (thanks).

I know I won't need to baby them so much, as growing from sets rather than seed, but wondered about a recommendation for the right sort of fertiliser to use on the bed a week or two before I plant them out?

many thanks.

[northepaul]

maybe some blood fish and bone as a general soil improver, but I dont think you need to do too much for onions, as they are pretty tough.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I personally don't add any artificial fertilisers until there are signs of the onions growing away in the springtime. Fertilisers given at this time can make any growth that there is soft and easily damaged by the weather.

[FionaH]

I was told on here that a light application of chicken poo pellets is useful a couple of weeks before planting

[solway cropper]

Like Aberdeenplotter I wouldn't add any fertilizer at planting time. I give my overwintered onions a good layer of home-made compost and plant through it. You want them to develop a strong root system not top growth. As said, give them a boost in spring once they start growing again.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I was told on here that a light application of chicken poo pellets is useful a couple of weeks before planting

I wouldn't have a problem doing that with spring planted bulbs but applying high nitrogen feed in autumn is a no no for me.

[Two_Sheds]

... because high nitrogen (chook poop) leads to lush floppy green growth which will suffer in winter weather?

[FionaH]

I wouldn't have a problem doing that with spring planted bulbs but applying high nitrogen feed in autumn is a no no for me.

... because high nitrogen (chook poop) leads to lush floppy green growth which will suffer in winter weather?

Fair enough, I stand corrected