Giant onion growing challenge 16, what am I missing?

Giant onion growing challenge 16, what am I missing? #gogc2425

[@Petetrenouth]

I think they are suffering from too much of the good life, what do you all think/ advise?

[@Jacqui-Pen]

I know exactly what you mean, Pete. However, if we don't try, we won't learn. My seeds arrived today, thank you very much 😊

[@Petetrenouth]

Live and learn for next year, glad the seeds turned up OK.

[@RobinGardens]

LOL on the TAX BILL line.

[@Petetrenouth]

It’s one of the two things guaranteed in life, and the others death. 😂👍

[@myrustygarden]

I agree even a once a month update works 😂😂 might give my onions time to catch up then. Have a super duper weekend, Ali ☔️☔️🇨🇦

[@Petetrenouth]

Trouble is I do love doing them, but there’s a lot going on now. 🌱🌱🌱👍

[@Sellers707]

Thanks Pete I am really enjoying this challenge. Watching every one keeps me motivated. You had me cracking me up with your whoo whoo . I think you should do that more often. Thanks Pete for all the kind words. Have a blessed day my friend 😊

[@Petetrenouth]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@allotmentjoy]

Hi Pete. You're right about things getting busier now, both on the plot and in the greenhouse. Great that the nights are getting longer. I know what you mean about Robs discarded onions. Sheesh!! I think that nobody will openly say what they use but I reckon if you had a one to one conversation with a seasoned grower, they would help you along with a few tips. Until then, it's a learning curve lol. Keep the faith 💪😁👍🧅🧅🧅

[@Petetrenouth]

@allotmentjoy I’ll wait until he’s back down here on holiday and ply him with a few more beers and get it out of him. 🍺🍺🧅

[@allotmentjoy]

@Petetrenouth I think you will have to blag an invite lol

[@Jimmy.Plot.41.b]

do it every week or every other week Pete, i emjpoy it but as you say not a lot is happening and people are sowing other things as well, but i would be happy which ever you decided. Tomorrow or sunday i will be getting rid of some of my Ailsae, Kelsae, Ailsa Craig and John Soulsbys, just to whittle the numbers down from 18 to maybe 8 or 9 . 👍. Plenty of grow alongs happening lol

[@Petetrenouth]

There is definitely a lot going on Jimmy. It’s great having the days draw out a bit, makes it feel like spring is on its way.

[@NoDigNorm]

Quick question Pete, why the vermiculite on the surface of the pricked out onions? You mentioned something about damping off but I'm not sure if that was the reason. Cheers Norm

[@Petetrenouth]

@nodignorm I do it for two reasons really Norm. To keep it dry and as you say, help with damping off. Also I find under the lights, it helps keep the moisture in, as my old T5 lights give off a lot of heat.

[@TheGDJames]

I'm speaking from a position of ignorance, as I don't know wot my roots are currently like, and I'm also not a gardening expert. But what I am dubious about is including vermiculite in the mix. I'd check whether the experts do that. Vermiculite is holding onto water, but onions like free-draining soil. I would also consider whether more perlite should be used. Just my thinking, rather than knowledge.

[@TheGDJames]

Another thought i have is regarding sieving the sowing/ potting mix. Once you sieve it and then apply water to it, doesn't it become a bit compacted, ie lacking in air. Maybe sieving is just habitual, but isn't really necessaey for onions because they have robust roots?

[@TheGDJames]

I've just checked Rob's video. He uses vermiculite to cover the seeds when they're germinating, but he's not using vermiculite in his potting mix or on the surface later on.

[@Petetrenouth]

@@TheGDJames Some very good points, I’ll definitely be refining how I do it next year. Thanks for your comments.

[@caraphillip4203]

I look forward to the update on Friday. Please keep it every Friday.

[@Petetrenouth]

Just for you then Cara.

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

Your onions are looking mahoosive 😮🎉

[@Petetrenouth]

Thank you Stella, I’m sure yours won’t be far behind as time goes on.

[@maddog2228]

🇬🇧 high all 👍 looking very good mate well done 👏

[@Petetrenouth]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CoastalGardensNW]

dont burn yourself out pete not much going on with them now ,and are you stil under the t5 grow lights?might be an idea to get a stronger light as the grow on

[@Petetrenouth]

Yes they are still under the T5 lights. I will be looking to change to LED’S next year.

[@Shaunthegardener]

Nice one mate

[@Petetrenouth]

Thanks Shaun.

[@TheGDJames]

Just to confirm, I've trimmed my onions with scissors today, even though it goes against my nature. I also have to confess, my onions probably aren't getting too much light, as I'm trying to ensure that everything else, ie peppers and aubergines, are getting light too.