Onions can be grown in a few ways; set’s planted into the ground in March/April. Also onions can be grown from seeds and gives you a wider range of varieties to choose from. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground but its best sown into trays filled with multipurpose compost. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and cover with sieved compost or fine vermiculite, if using vermiculite it can be run about on top of the compost when watering, so best to water from the bottom, i.e. stand tray in special water trays, keep the compost moist. Place them in a propagator with a lid at a temperature of about 15c/60f to germinate which should take between 14 – 21 days.

Once seedlings are through the compost, the cover can be removed and move the tray to the staying or bench at a temperature of 45 – 50f. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pick them out into 3” pots or cell trays filled multipurpose compost. Harden off plants, gradually get plants used to outdoor conditions, and move them from the greenhouse to cold frame in day time for a period of 2 – 3 weeks.

Weather permitting onions can be planted outside in April allowing 6 – 10 inch between plants and rows 18 inches apart.

If the weather is kind, crack on and finish the winter digging adding manure or compost.

Spring cabbage and cauliflower will benefit from nitrogen, feed such as nitro-chalk or sulphate of ammonia.