[jambop]

Is it reasonable to use a few of last years shallots for this years sets? I normally do not use my own shallots for growing but I have lots of good shallots so wondered if these can be used.

[mumofstig]

Yes, I have done, in the past.
Planting smaller bulbs results in fewer but bigger bulbs.
Planting the bigger bulbs gives you more, but smaller bulbs, great if you want them for pickling, but not so good for cooking with.

[Mintyboy]

Ive been planting my own saved shallots for years now, and always seem to get a good crop from them. Just make sure you plant firm bulbs, give them a squeeze any thing that feels soft is probably rotten.