[Flowertot]

This is my first time growing them.  They are going yellow and trying to lie on top of the soil. Are they ready?  How can I tell?

[Ema]

My shallot leaves got eaten by the birds so my crops very stunted my sets were also piddly compared to other plot holders no idea when there be ready

[DD.]

It seems a bit early, mine are, or should I say, were going strong, (I'm away for a few days so anything could have happened).

But, yes, if they've had enough, the foliage will yellow and flop.

If this is the case, in an ideal world, they should be gently forked out of the ground, left on top in the sun for a day or so to dry out, the soil gently knocked off then put somewhere to dry properly.

As with onions, if you're going to store them, once you think they're dry, dry them again. Then do it once more.

[miggs]

Picked most of mine last night as they had started to turn to seed. They are now drying out as we speak.

[Beetroot queen]

Mine are still going strong so not yet here

[AnneB]

Mine still going strong too, only just starting to separate at the base.  Mine are Longor planted in March. 

[DD.]

Golden Gourmet, 28th February.

[finleyfreyaseth]

first time growing shallots so very infomitive post was wondering wen to pull and wat do later 

[Flowertot]

Hmmm.  They are Vigarmor and Mikor planted on 3 March.  I don't know whether they are ready (i am in London so warmer??) or perhaps they have a disease or onion fly - is it easy to tell the difference? I am thinking perhaps I should dig one up and see if it is ok.

[Beetroot queen]

Hmmm.  They are Vigarmor and Mikor planted on 3 March.  I don't know whether they are ready (i am in London so warmer??) or perhaps they have a disease or onion fly - is it easy to tell the difference? I am thinking perhaps I should dig one up and see if it is ok.

Like DD said if they have had enough of growing they will go yellow and flop over, yours sound like they are at that stage so try one and see. Mine are no where near giving up yet.

[DD.]

first time growing shallots so very infomitive post was wondering wen to pull and wat do later 

You don't "pull" them - you gently lift them!

[A Reyt Tayty]

I did the old style of planting on the shortest day (last Dec) to harvest on the longest day. They are nowhere near ready to harvest as yet. Only 2/3 of what I planted have survived at all.

[compostqueen]

None of mine are ready yet but they look promising.

[Sweetpea C]

Mine all seem to be very green. I expect everything will be ready when I am away! 

[Flowertot]

Oh dear.  I have onion fly  I lifted some today and they were soft and mushy with little white grubs in them  I have disposed of 12 of the 29 I had nurtured so carefully and I am not completely sure the others are ok - I felt them and left the ones which feel solid to grow on.  Should I have thrown away the lot or are onion fly selective?  Is there any hope?  I presume if I want to grow them again next year I will need to invest in enviromesh.... Grrrrrr.