[GardenShed]

When sowing both red and white onion seeds I am going to sow them in clusters - about 5 to 8 per module.  Does this seem about right?

I presume pickling and spring onions can also be sown in clusters...  If so, should I keep it to about 5 to 8 seeds per module, or can you do more?

Are you supposed to cover the propagator lid with something to stop light whilst they germinate?

Finally, how often do you water your compost and do you water the modules directly or simply pour some in the tray below?

Thanks.

[sunshineband]

I usually only sow about three (or sometimes four by accident) seeds to a module for onions, or only one if I want larger ones. They get planted out together in a little clump, and push each other apart as they grow. Just be aware that they are rarely completely round where they rest on each other a bit...doesn't matter for the kitchen of course
 
With spring onions, there are around six or seven in each module , with some only four or five and this gives a good clump to plant out.

Pickling onions I have never grown like this, but I would think that the same number of seeds as spring onions would be fine.

 I am far from an expert with growing onions from seed as this is only the third season for me, but I hope that helps a bit

[GardenShed]

Thanks for the advice.

How would you normally grow pickling onions?

Also, does the propagator need to be covered to prevent light getting in?

[peedee555]

hi i have little pods for spring onions , a toilet tube flattened then cut in two filled with compost and if you join the creases together and open it again it forms a square ( before you put the compost in ) 5 seeds like a dice five fit nicely when they about 3 inches high plant the lot tube and all works for me i only cover the seeds for warmth not light as soon as they show i take off the cover

[mumofstig]

the closer you sow the seeds in the module, the smaller the onions - so it depends how big you want your pickles 

The propagator doesn't need covering, take off the lid asap and shortly afterwards take off the heat.
Too much heat is not good for them.

I have one of those water bottles with the drink through lids - these are perfect for adding a small squirt to each module if they look dry. It's easy to over-water things in modules early in the year

[sunshineband]

And my pickling onions are usually very small shallots tbh 

Toilet roll inners are useful for all sorts, aren't they? 

[DD.]

Any size shallots do me!

Paris Silverskin onions are also good for pickling. Sown thinly in a row, there is no need for thinning out as they gently push each other aside as they grow.

[GardenShed]

Any size shallots do me!

Paris Silverskin onions are also good for pickling. Sown thinly in a row, there is no need for thinning out as they gently push each other aside as they grow.

I'll be sowing Paris Silverskin seeds in modules.  Instructions don't mention whether to sow seeds singularly or in clusters.  Given that pickling onions are relatively small, I guess I'll sow in clusters.  It wouldn't seem like a good use of space otherwise.

Thanks.

[crh75]

For pickling onions as they are not required to be very large I would wait until the weather, and more importantly the soil warms up and sow directly, for me that would be early May.

[DD.]

Any size shallots do me!

Paris Silverskin onions are also good for pickling. Sown thinly in a row, there is no need for thinning out as they gently push each other aside as they grow.

I'll be sowing Paris Silverskin seeds in modules.  Instructions don't mention whether to sow seeds singularly or in clusters.  Given that pickling onions are relatively small, I guess I'll sow in clusters.  It wouldn't seem like a good use of space otherwise.

Thanks.

As I said and backed up by the previous poster, sow direct & when it's warmer. There is no need to mess about with modules.