Shallots

Shallots: The Easy-Peasy Onion Alternative That Packs a Punch! Forget fussy veggies, shallots are the low-maintenance garden heroes you’ve been waiting for. These little flavour bombs are a breeze to grow, taking up hardly any space, and their sweet, mild taste will elevate all your cooking. Ready to get growing? Let’s dive in!

Summary: Growing Shallots

Shallots are grown from sets (small bulbs) planted either in the autumn (October/November) or spring (February/March/early April) in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Improve heavy soil with compost or manure. Space the sets 15cm apart with tips just showing above the soil. Water during dry spells, keep weeds at bay, and harvest when the foliage yellows and withers. Dry your shallots before storing in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. These require very little shallot care, making them perfect for beginners.

All About Shallots

Shallots, part of the allium family alongside onions and garlic, are incredibly versatile and easy to grow, perfect even if you’ve got a small garden. Unlike their onion cousins, shallots have a more delicate, sweet flavour. They don't take up much room and are fantastic for adding subtle yet complex layers of flavour to your cooking. They are typically grown from shallot bulbs, which are also known as shallot sets.

Best Time to Plant Shallots

When to start planting shallots depends on whether you want an autumn or spring start. For autumn shallot planting, get those sets in the ground around October/November, before the really cold weather sets in. If you miss the autumn window, no worries! You can easily plant them in the spring during February, March or early April. Spring planted shallots will still do great, although might not be quite as big as the autumn planted ones.

Where To Grow Shallots

Like most of us, shallots love a good dose of sunshine! Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. They absolutely hate wet feet, so avoid any areas that tend to get waterlogged. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in some well-rotted organic matter like garden compost or manure before planting to improve drainage, creating a good shallot soil. Alternatively, try growing shallots in raised beds or large pots.

How to Plant Shallots

Planting shallot bulbs is straightforward. Prepare the soil as detailed above, and break it up with a rake or hoe. Gently push the sets into the soil so that just the tips are peeking out, spacing them about 15cm apart in rows that are 30cm apart. Give them a good water to help them settle in. You can avoid growing shallots from seed by using sets, which are the more popular method.

Shallot Care - Easy Peasy!

The beauty of shallots is how little they need! The main thing is to keep weeds at bay by hoeing regularly between the rows. Water during dry spells. Avoid feeding them with shallot fertilizer, as this can lead to soft growth that doesn't store well. Just let them do their thing! Organic shallot growing is easily achievable, as they don't need any extra help.

The Shallot Harvest

You’ll know it’s shallot harvest time when the foliage starts to turn yellow and wither, this is generally from early summer onwards. Carefully lift your shallots from the soil with a garden fork. Leave them to dry out in the sun for a few days, before storing.

Storing Your Shallots

Once they are dry, store your shallots in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space, such as a shed or garage. Proper storage will keep them fresh for a long time.

Shallot Pests and Diseases

Shallots are generally pretty hardy, but it's worth being aware of potential problems. Look out for shallot diseases, such as white rot or downy mildew, and shallot pests like onion flies. Keep a watchful eye out and take action if you notice anything untoward. Avoid planting in an area previously used for other alliums to prevent any build up of soil-borne diseases. For shallot companion plants, try growing them with carrots, beetroots or chamomile.

So there you have it! Growing shallots is a rewarding and fun experience. They add an amazing flavour to your kitchen, require little effort, and take up very little space. Why not give them a try in your garden this year?