How do you start your onion sets

[rary]

This evening I planted out onion sets that I had started off in plug packs, when I planted them in the packs I also planted some in the garden, and now that they are both in the garden the difference is quite noticeable the plug plants were watered and fed regularly and the one's in the garden was only watered and yet are far stronger and larger than the plugs, so I wonder if it's worth starting them in plugs or pots. What do you think?

[veggiechicken]

I bung them straight in the ground and let them get on with it................although, I have tried starting them in water as an experiment. Balancing each set in a teeny module, with the base of the onion just touching the water. They grew great roots, but I don't know how they compared to others planted conventionally.

[Jay-ell]

Ready - sets - go.

I only start the sets off in plugs if I'm starting them off early (say, Feb) which I haven't done this year. In Autumn and this year I just stick them in the ground.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I all was start 18 or so early in the season in 3 inch pots, this will give me a few early onions. The rest go in their containers about a month later.

All I want is a season this year like last, we ate the last red onion last night with some mature chedder so we've done well.

[Small pumpkin]

I read on the interweb somewhere, that if you're not planting straight away start them in seed trays full of compost to encourage their roots. I gave this a try this year because I'm never ready for my sets when they arrive. They looked fantastic, lots of lovely strong roots and nice green tops. I think I'm going to have lots of bolting onions this year, 90% of them were soft when I planted them. So I probably won't do that again. I will have to wait and see, but I'm not holding my breath!