My Shallots have been started off in a cell tray in the unheated greenhouse in November. They have happily sat all winter, creating their root system in the confines of the cell tray.

In March, it’s time to plant them outside in a raised bed, so they can stretch their roots and grow their shoots a little greener. Once they have settled in the new soil, they will start putting on side bulbs which Shallots are famous for doing.

Why were they started in cell trays?

Root Rot – If the soil is too wet, it can cause root or even bulb rot.

If I have invested in buying bulbs, I’d be disappointed if they rotted in the ground. I also use the starting off bulbs in cell trays method with my onions for this reason. The first time I planted Onion bulbs into my raised bed, we had a very wet winter and they all rotted in the ground. So I now start these off in cell trays.

Planting Shallots out in a Raised Bed

I’ll be planting my Shallots in between my Garlic and Elephant Garlic that are already growing in the raised bed. There’s still a few gaps so I’ll plant some lettuce which is shallow rooted and won’t disrupt the longer roots of the garlic and shallots.

To brighten up the green in this bed, I have sown Calendula seeds which are orange daisy flowers at the end of the bed to bring in the insects and for aesthetic reasons.

At the other end of the raised bed near the fence, last year I planted 3 large allium bulbs, I’m hoping they will tower above the garlic and give a cottage garden feel to my vegetable garden in June.

Planting Shallots – You Will Need:

• A tray of rooted shallots
• A Trowel
• Watering can with water.

Planting Shallots Video

The Best Growing Conditions for Shallots

• Shallots love full sun, they will need at least 6 hours of sunshine a day,
• They need loose free draining soil with added compost,
• They can be planted in raised beds or larger containers, give them root to grow side bulbs.,
• Grow Shallots with Garlic, Carrots, Lettuce, Tomatoes,
• Plant Shallots in February or March as the light levels are increasing and longer days trigger the bulbs & leaves to grow.
• Harvest in Mid Summer normally around the same time as Garlic.

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The Shallot Series

Plant Shallots with me in November

Check your Shallots for signs of disease

Planting Shallots into Raised Beds

Growing Onions from Sets

Growing Onions from Seed