[zazen999]

Because it's colder in Preston than Dorset!!

Much colder; and if in thick clay they don't take quite as quickly.

I do start all mine off in seed trays, planted shoulder to shoulder - you can get about 80 in one tray this way. Then when they go in they have a good root system already. But then again, I'm an onion fiend. 

[craggy]

Because it's colder in Preston than Dorset!!

And

[peapod]

Because it's colder in Preston than Dorset!!

And

And

If its warmer then they can go out sooner, cant they?

[craggy]

Because it's colder in Preston than Dorset!!

And

And

If its warmer then they can go out sooner, cant they?

sets don,t mind the cold,as long as the ground isn't frozen when you plant

[peapod]

It would have been so much quicker to post that on the first reply wouldn't it?

[galen]

I've only been on this forum for 18 months but am I allowed to say that I thought this was a website that usually  has constructive answers to questions posed - We may disagree and have different opinions, as all gardeners will, but surely one word answers with no real content aren't the solution to anything ? 

[DD.]

Well, case in point.

We are forecast -5 tonight and -6 tomorrow. By my reckoning that would make the ground fairly frozen for planting.

Now simple geography. Dorset = OK temps. Midlands = not. Preston, further north = ??

That, dear reader is why the north have different planting times to the south.

[DD.]

I've only been on this forum for 18 months but am I allowed to say that I thought this was a website that usually  has constructive answers to questions posed - We may disagree and have different opinions, as all gardeners will, but surely one word answers with no real content aren't the solution to anything ? 

Thank you, Galen.

Sensible comment as usual.

[craggy]

Well, case in point.

We are forecast -5 tonight and -6 tomorrow. By my reckoning that would make the ground fairly frozen for planting.

Now simple geography. Dorset = OK temps. Midlands = not. Preston, further north = ??

That, dear reader is why the north have different planting times to the south.

are you saying it will be frozen ground for the next few days?Frost at night does not mean frozen ground all day.sun is forcast in preston for the next 5 days.

[DD.]

Simple maths says it's still going to be cold.

I prefer to wait until it's a little warmer.

I've checked my sets, they are all still nice and firm, not gone shrivelled or soggy, so I'm happy to wait until I consider conditions are right.

[craggy]

Simple maths says it's still going to be cold.

I prefer to wait until it's a little warmer.

I've checked my sets, they are all still nice and firm, not gone shrivelled or soggy, so I'm happy to wait until I consider conditions are right.

The southern gestapo commands you to put your onions in tomorrow

[peapod]

Craggy

Stop with the flippant comments please. They add nothing to the forum, and you may find yourself surplus to requirements if you would rather point score than help.

[craggy]

Craggy

Stop with the flippant comments please. They add nothing to the forum, and you may find yourself surplus to requirements if you would rather point score than help.

No jokes allowed ?well i was trying to help by pointing out that onions do not mind the cold,even the kind that you get in the north.

[DD.]

I've read Peapod's post several times.

Can you point out where she says no jokes allowed as I can't?

I can only see a bit about flippant comments.

[Nikkithefoot]

I am in Dorset, and our temps have been well below zero for the last 4 nights. Chooks water frozen solid, despite being sheltered under the coop, ground frozen solid until 10 am, I'm leaving my onions out the ground until this cold snap is over. IF it is set to continue for more than 10 days then I might contemplate popping them into deep trays in my cold frame to bring them on a little.