I think I have had my best year for onions and shallots. They all grew to a good size and were mostly of a uniform proportion. Hardly any showed signs of bolting or thick neck so they look like they will store well. There should be enough to see us through to when next year's crop are ready.
The onions were 'Sturon' which are generally very reliable. They were grown from sets planted out in mid-April. The shallots were 'Zebrune' which are the banana shallot variety. These have to be grown from seed as sets are not available. They are worth the extra effort, though, because you get several bulbs for each seedling planted out, and I think they are the best shallot for cooking with.
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| Shallot 'Zebrune' - some of this year's crop. |
I have been gradually catching up and getting back on top of things on the smallholding after the interruptions of two successive surgeries for a detached retina. Alas, it has happened for a third time and I am back on Monday to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to go through the operation and recovery process again. But this will not diminish my delight in this year's crop of shallots! "Count it all joy...when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness".
Hope the retina issue is properly sorted soon. NNUH is a good hospital! I'm sure the family are rallying round to support you & the work on the smallholding
ReplyDeleteI grew shallots this year (from sets) my first attempt. I am very pleased with them and they are hanging in strings in the garage for whenever I need them. I must improve my "thinning out as I think some were too close so didn't grow as big as they might have done.
Get well soon! 😉👍🙏
Thank you, I am sure things will be fine in the end. Its good to have some shallots to hand!
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