The Shed is Stocked! Onions and Garlic Sets Are Here!

Great news, fellow plot holders! The Shed is now stocked with onion and garlic sets, just in time for you to get a head start on a fantastic harvest. These are some of the most rewarding and easiest crops to grow, and whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, you'll be able to enjoy your own homegrown produce.

Onions and garlic are some of the most rewarding and easiest crops to grow, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner.

For those new to growing, 'sets' are small, immature bulbs that are a quick and reliable way to get a crop. They are much easier to handle than seeds and are generally more resistant to common problems. We have both autumn/winter and spring-planting varieties of onions and garlic, so let's get you ready to plant!

Growing Onions: The Essentials

Onions are a staple in the kitchen and surprisingly simple to cultivate.

Onions don't like competition, so make sure to prepare your bed by weeding it thoroughly.

When to Plant: We have sets that can be planted in both the autumn/winter and the spring, allowing for a longer harvesting period. Planting now gives your onions a head start to develop a strong root system over the cooler months. You can also plant another batch in early to mid-spring, as soon as the soil has started to warm up, for a later summer harvest.

Where to Plant: Onions thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. They don't like competition, so make sure to prepare your bed by weeding it thoroughly. It's also a good idea to dig in some well-rotted compost to improve the soil structure and fertility.

How to Plant: Gently push each onion set into the soil, pointed end up, leaving the very tip of the set just visible above the ground. Space them about 10-15cm apart in rows that are roughly 20-30cm apart. Once planted, give them a good watering.

Top Tip: Birds love to pull up newly planted sets, especially in the winter months, so consider covering your bed with some netting or horticultural fleece until the roots have developed and the plants are firmly anchored.

Growing Garlic: A Guide

Growing your own garlic is incredibly satisfying, and the flavour of a homegrown bulb is second to none.

Plant the larger garlic cloves, as these will produce the biggest bulbs.

When to Plant: The garlic sets in the Shed are also for autumn/winter planting. This is the traditional and best time to plant garlic, as a period of cold weather is crucial for the cloves to divide and form a bulb. Plant from now until late November for a fantastic summer harvest.

Where to Plant: Like onions, garlic loves a sunny spot. The key to a successful garlic crop is free-draining soil. If your plot has heavy clay, it's a good idea to incorporate some sand or grit along with plenty of compost to prevent the bulbs from rotting in wet conditions.

How to Plant: Break the bulb into individual cloves just before planting. Plant the larger cloves, as these will produce the biggest bulbs. Push each clove into the soil with the pointy end facing up, so that the top is about 3-4cm below the surface. Space them about 15cm apart.

Top Tip: Garlic doesn't like to be waterlogged, so be mindful of overwatering. Water regularly during dry spells in the spring and early summer as the bulbs are forming, but ease off as the foliage starts to turn yellow, which is a sign they are getting ready for harvest.

So, head on down to The Shed and grab your onion and garlic sets while stocks last. Let's make this growing season a bumper one! We can't wait to see your fantastic crops later in the year. Happy planting!