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Garlic and Onion Sets for UK Gardens

Autumn Planting Guide: Garlic and Onion Sets for UK Gardens

Plant Garlic Bulbs October - January

Autumn is the perfect time for UK gardeners to plan and plant their garlic and onion sets. This guide will walk you through the process of pre-ordering, sowing, and growing these flavorful alliums for a bountiful harvest next year.

Pre-ordering: Securing the Best Varieties

Pre-ordering your garlic bulbs and onion sets is crucial to ensure you get the best varieties for your garden. Most suppliers open their pre-orders in late summer or early autumn.

For garlic:

  • Pre-orders typically open in the second week of September yearly
  • Stock is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Dispatch usually begins from October 15-18th

For onion sets:

  • Pre-orders for winter varieties often open in August
  • Spring varieties may be available for pre-order later in the year

Garlic

    • Solent Wight

      • 2 bulbs per packet
      • £4.99
      • Delivery LATE October 2024

    • Picardy Wight

      • 2 bulbs per packet
      • £4.99
      • Delivery LATE October 2024

    • Elephant Garlic

      • 6-10 cloves per packet
      • £8.95
      • Delivery LATE October 2024

Onion Sets

Sowing and Planting

Garlic

Garlic is one of the easiest root vegetables to grow. Plant your garlic bulbs from October to January. Many gardeners prefer to start them in pots and transplant once they've grown a few centimeters tall.

Elephant Garlic Bulbs

Planting steps:

        1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil
        2. Plant cloves 2-3 inches deep, pointed end up
        3. Space cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart
        4. Water well after planting

Onion Sets

Onion sets are small, immature onions that have been specially prepared for planting. They're easier to grow than onions from seed and generally produce a more reliable crop.

Onion Sets. Spring & Over winter Onion sets 250g per set.

Planting steps:

  • Prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding compost
  • Plant sets 1-2 inches deep, with the tip just showing above the soil
  • Space sets 4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart
  • Water gently to settle the soil

Growing Tips

  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply during dry spells.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring when growth resumes.
  • Weeding: Keep the area around your plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.
  • Winter protection: In colder areas, consider using a layer of mulch to protect overwintering plants.

Harvesting and Storage

Garlic

Harvest garlic when the leaves start to yellow and die back, usually in late summer. Cure the bulbs in a dry, airy place for 2-3 weeks before storing.

Onions

Harvest onions when the tops begin to fall over and dry out. Cure them in a warm, dry place for 1-2 weeks before storing in a cool, dark location.

Conclusion

By pre-ordering and planting your garlic and onion sets in autumn, you're setting yourself up for a successful and flavorful harvest next year. Remember to choose varieties suitable for your local climate and follow proper planting and care techniques for the best results.

Happy gardening!