Ever since I started writing this blog I have become much more aware of what is happening in the garden. I think that this is a product of both; taking more photos and via that process examining the plants in more detail, but it is also that I’m thinking more about how they work so I can write about them. One plant I have been particularly fascinated with are my shallots. Interestingly my most viewed page is also about growing shallots (and onions) so apparently I’m not the only one in interested in these alliums.
I planted my shallots out in May after growing them on in pots first. If you are planting shallots simply plant the bulb in the ground with its top poking out from the soil (as in the picture below). They like lime but need little in the way of fertiliser.
Since I planted them they have slowly dividing, picking up the pace on this front since the weather got a bit warmer in September.
I find it fascinating how they have two or three baby shallots inside a skin and those babies get fatter and fatter eventually splitting the skin and shedding it much like a snake would. I love how they form layer upon layer with the new growth coming from the centre.
They are really great to look at in the garden but I do hope they form bulbs soon though, my supply of crispy fried shallots is running low.
