Onion sets, when?

[The Griff]

I have just dug this years onion patch over, I dug plenty of rotted manure into it last autumn and plan to mix in some multipurpose compost and some really good homemade compost before planting my onion sets. Is there any other type of fertilizer I should be mixing with it or will a slow release general fertilizer be ok?

And when does everyone tend to plant there sets, will it be ok to do it this weekend in the north east of England?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[arpoet]

Blood Fish and Bone meal as a top dressing a week or so before planting and then again about mid June, before watering or rain.
My sets are growing nicely in cells of MPC. I think if its not snowing at Easter, i might plant em out then.
I think we have still got another cold snap to come as the squirrels are burying food again.
PS. If i have not said it before, welcome to the mad house.

[Penellype]

I planted my onion sets under fleece a couple of weeks ago, so as long as your soil is not very wet or cold they should be ok. I'd put some fleece over to protect them if you can.

[The Griff]

Is the fleece left over them all of the time or only put on when it's frosty?

I maybe being a bit eager to get them in the ground just yet then, I maybe better waiting a few more weeks.

What is the best way to store the sets until I am ready to plant them?

Thanks again

[WeedItAndReap]

I planted my sets in autumn, and they are showing shoots now. As is the garlic and the shallots. I've not fleeced them, and the ground has been quite wet. Does this mean they'll probably end up rotting or freezing to death?

[Snadger]

Fleece has a two fold effect of a little bit of cold protection, but also protects from leek moth if it is problematical in your area.

[Penellype]

I leave the fleece on until the shoots are about 4 inches high. We don't get Leek moth here, but I do get cats using the bed as a toilet so I like to protect the plants until they are big enough to cope. I think the fleece does bring the plants on a little earlier, but I don't think they will rot once they start to grow, unless they are completely flooded.