[randy radish]

I was told by an old gent on the plot across from me which he says had for 57 years.Not to water my onions as they will do better without .Iam sure he wont see this so what is best hot dry days water must help? 

[DD.]

I admit to watering onions in long dry spells and I think we're about to enter one, especially when they are "bulbing", (swelling rather then putting on leaf growth).

Watering can discourage root growth as they have no need to grow in search of water, but onions are quite shallow rooted in any event.

[sunshineband]

I did water mine on Friday as they looked desperate. I have an old copy of Vegetable Jotter by Hessayon, and it says in there to water in dry spells and stop once bulbs are swollen........... old fashioned but informative 

[randy radish]

Thanks chaps
 

[Nobbie]

If you water them too much and too close to when they're drying out you increase the risk of them rotting in storage, but should be ok while they're bulbing up.