[arugula]

Sunshine band.I wasnt aware that you keep the smallest shallots for next year,Why is that ?ive always kept big ones thinking they would make better shallots each year.Am i wasting good shallots doing this

I'll answer that on sunshineband's behalf. This thread explains the science:

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=80632.msg903006#msg903006

[LilacSandy]

As I want a lot of shallots I will be keeping and replanting all that grow this year, If I remember (and at my age that will be quite a feat), next year I will plant the largest at the top of the row graduating down and will see what happens.  Will post in 2015.

[Auntiemogs]

Oh dear!  I'm hopelessly confused now (not difficult for me).    

For some reason I thought it was shallots and garlic:plant largest and onions:plant smallest.

I often get things in a muddle so if someone could clarify for me I would be super grateful...

Mags 

[Totty]

I keep some show shallots each year, and store the ones that are neither oversize or overly small, the large ones can tend to split into many, that are generally on the small side. The smaller shallots tend to split into less, but of a bigger size, if you see what I mean? So for the show shallots, by keeping the ones that are of a similar, and average size to replant, the chances of them being of similar size and shape are increased.
Basically, bigger the shallot planted, the more small shallots you get.
Totty