[Broadhaven]

I have just planted my Senshyu onion sets yesterday,

My normal onion sets I planted in March/ April last year was as Craig Revel Horwood says" A complete disaaaaaster!  " They just didn't grow!!!

It was my first time growing veg and I realise the soil was to heavy with  clay and it was very wet.

I have planted the Senshyu where my potatoes were, the soil is in much better condition, I have dug some home made compost in, so I am hoping to have more success.

Do I have to water them???

I am keeping my fingers crossed 

[HilaryG]

I planted my Senshyu onions a month or so ago and haven't watered them at all. Just netted them from the birds. They've now got shoots of about 6ins and look ok to me. I seem to remember reading that they don't need watering. 

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, depends how dry it is if very dry give them a drop.

[GreenDavie]

I agree, mine are 3 - 4 inch now and not been watered. I think its damp enough for them now......

[zazen999]

I leave them all winter - never water. Then, in the springs, give them a good fingering. This means loosen all the soil around them. what happens then is that they absorb all the spring rain and swell up nicely - without the soil restricting growth.

My fingered onions get big enough to use a good few weeks before unfingered onions.

[Salmo]

Better a bit dry than sitting wet and cold.

[too many girls]

My fingered onions get big enough to use a good few weeks before unfingered onions.

Aren't they the lucky ones then

[Roll Roll]

Can you do any damage fingering them.

[zazen999]

No damage, as you just loosen the soil around them. With your finger. Or a small stick.

[Roll Roll]

Thanks for the advice
 Is it best to wait untill it's moist or can I do it if it's been dry for a while.
I wouldn't want to get any disease (due to damp).

[alfman]

 I'm same as HilaryG, can't see why they'll need much water anyway through winter 'cause they don't take much water up when its cold so I shall just leave mine till spring. (must remember to finger them.)

[Snap Dragon]

I watered mine in when I first planted them, only cos they went into raised beds wich were very dry as there'd been no rain for weeks!

I've left them to there own devices since though and they're very happy with inch tall green leaves now!

[zazen999]

Thanks for the advice
 Is it best to wait untill it's moist or can I do it if it's been dry for a while.
I wouldn't want to get any disease (due to damp).

In the spring - don't do anything with them until then.

[Broadhaven]

Hi I posted this topic back in October. I was wondering how everyones Senshyu are doing as once again mine don't seem to be growing   They are about 6 inches and about a finger thick. I planted some garlic next to them and they seem to be doing really well.
If someone could post a picture of what theirs are like now I would appreciate it. I just don't know what I am doing wrong. When are they supposed to be ready for eating?

[HilaryG]

Mine look small but healthy enough, in fact some of them are beginning to fatten up  already. Apart from being netted I haven't watered or fed them all Winter. I think they might be ready around June which is what the packet said. Bit dark for a pic now! I'll get one tomorrow and post it. I also put in some autumn red onion sets which didn't do nearly as well. What's the secret for good red onions?!