[jambop]

What is the fact about growing onions on ground that has manure just incorporated into it? I have some year old farmyard manure and was going to use this to beef up my onion patch but have just read a seed catalogue instruction saying don't grow onions on freshly manured soil. I would have thought year old manure would not have much nitrogen in it anymore. Can someone clarify the situation for me ? Living in France the soil I have is great when at the prefect moisture level but having quite a high clay content dries like brick in the summer I was hoping the addition of plenty of manure over the years would help to feed and free it up a bit. I was going to start with the onion patch in the spring

[PudsTree]

Fresh manure is the problem with onions, shallots and garlic, not well-rotted stuff. One year old manure will be fine. Just make sure it's dug in well and mixed thoroughly with the existing soil.

As for nitrogen, you're correct, onions don't need much of that it just encourages leafy growth. But the amount of nitrogen added to soil by well rotted manure is negligible in truth, it just adds body to the soil and will break down clay soils over the years.

[gavinjconway]

The "hear say" is no new manure should be used on anything... let it rot first..

But I add fresh horse manure mixed with shavings every year and last year I grew 588 kg from 165 sq mt... I think that may throw the wives tail straight out the window.

Some piccies of last season.. and some of my onions.. I spread a 4" layer and dig it in - some in Autumn and some in Spring. Then before I plant I add a handful of general fertilizer when I prepare the bed.

[gavinjconway]

Here is some spread and being dug in.. I don't say it's right but it works for me..

[jambop]

Some nice looking vegs there! I have to say I do envy the cooler wetter British garden for green veg. I can grow most anything down here but the summer gets very hot and it can be high thirties and full sun for weeks so while sun lovers like tomatoes, peppers and the like do great leafy greens hate it! Great when you use the hoe though.. weed die immediately

[Goosegirl]

Have a look at the info on the Robinson's Mammoth Onion website. They show each year at Chelsea and their growing facts are quite interesting.