[composthappens]

hi everyone, I planted some onion sets in October, they came through ok but when they got to a certain size they started twisting up and dying. I have looked very closely at them and there are no eggs or onion maggots, does anyone know what it might be? the ground is fresh and has not been used for onions before. I have now bought some more and planted them. 

[JayG]

Don't know where you live Composthappens because you haven't put your location in your forum profile, but if you are in the south or midlands your onions may have been attacked by the allium leaf miner, or possibly the leek moth, either of which could have caused those problems despite the fresh soil.

If you Gurgle those you will find more information about some of the tell-tale signs you may be able to spot.

If it is either of them you may well be luckier with your new planting, at least until the spring when their life cycles start again. Good luck! 

[composthappens]

thank you. I am in Shropshire 

[composthappens]

is the leaf miner the same as onion fly? I think I will go this weekend and put some fleece over them.

[JayG]

No - onion fly attacks the roots and bulbs, although the effect on the foliage could look similar.

I wouldn't bother fleecing at this time of year - none of the pests should be active now, and fleece doesn't last long in tough conditions anyway.

Enviromesh (or similar) is the only sure way the amateur gardener has of protecting against these insect pests, but it is a bit of a faff and you may prefer to gamble on having just been unlucky this time.......