[Armleywhite]

I used both and got good results from both.  Over wintering I used the japanese sets.  In spring I planted 50/50 of both sets and seeds.  Good sized bulbs from both routes.

[sunshineband]

I used both and got good results from both.  Over wintering I used the japanese sets.  In spring I planted 50/50 of both sets and seeds.  Good sized bulbs from both routes.

Werks fer me too 

[Wiltshire Worms]

Exactly the same. Overwintering sets.mix of seeds sets for maincrop. Did very well on all 3 fronts this year

[compostqueen]

I do both. I have had good results with sets and seeds. I like Radar from sets and always get a good crop

Seedwise I'm doing and overwintering Paris Early White for the first time.  I am also going to sow some salad onions this week

[MrsLev]

I'm going to try over wintering Paris Early Whites this winter which might be a bit adventurous since I've never grown more than spring onions before! I'm unsure whether to start them indoors or just chuck the seeds in the ground, any advice?

[BabbyAnn]

I'm unsure whether to start them indoors or just chuck the seeds in the ground, any advice?

at this time of year they'll germinate quickly and you want them to be hardened off for winter anyway, so I'd say chuck the seeds in the ground 

[compostqueen]

It says on the packet (and I always read the packet by the way  ) to sow not before 18 August and sow OUTDOORS and harvest next spring/summer. Potentially huge onions that way 

[MrsLev]

Coolio! I do always read the seed packets but this one from Real Seeds only said 'suitable for sowing 18th August and overwintering for early onions next year', but no mention of starting indoor or outdoors! I also was wondering if 18th was a magic day and earlier/later might be disasterous! But I'll take your lead on after this mythical 18th

[BabbyAnn]

I also was wondering if 18th was a magic day and earlier/later might be disasterous! But I'll take your lead on after this mythical 18th

there's even another magic number ... 5th September     ... that's the latest date you can sow overwintering onions from seed.

[MrsLev]

Noted!

[Muls]

 :blink:  totally lost about the dates!?!

[mumofstig]

what's confusing? 

CQ says

sow not before 18 August

and BabbyAnn says

5th September.....   is  the latest date you can sow

so - sow between 18th August and 5th September. Simples

[marcofez]

I have always on my allotment sowed onion seeds both overwintering and spring. So far had very good results from both. Long may it continue!
I use sets at my mums garden as it is heavy clay. These seem to do better than the seed grown ones I've tried in the past.

[Muls]

what's confusing? 

CQ says

sow not before 18 August

and BabbyAnn says

5th September.....   is  the latest date you can sow

so - sow between 18th August and 5th September. Simples

.....what about shallot seeds When can I plant them ?? 

[BabbyAnn]

.....what about shallot seeds When can I plant them ?? 

seeds or sets (that is, the bulbs)?? 

I'm almost certain shallot seeds are normally sown in spring.  As for autumn planting sets, usually the same time as autumn planting onion sets/garlic which is about Octoberish - personally, I prefer to wait until very early spring for shallot set planting, as I find they seem to have a more vigorous growth than those that have been in the ground all winter, and seem to do better all round.