What To Do Now - Plant autumn onion sets and garlic

In this episode of the BBC Gardener's World Magazine podcast, Claire shares expert advice on planting autumn onions and garlic. She emphasizes the benefits of planting these crops in the fall for an earlier harvest in spring, particularly due to the cold temperatures that help garlic thrive.

Claire explains that onion sets, which are immature bulbs available at garden centers, are the best option for planting. She recommends choosing specific varieties like Japanese or overwintering onions, which can endure colder conditions. Various types of onions, including red winter and Senshu yellow, can be planted in well-prepared soil, ideally on warm days, ensuring they are spaced correctly and protected from pests.

Similarly, when it comes to garlic, she advises planting individual cloves rather than the entire bulb and highlights the importance of cold temperatures in bulb development. Different garlic varieties, including hardneck and softneck types, are discussed, along with their unique flavors and uses. Claire encourages gardeners to plant these hardy bulbs as they focus on strong root growth throughout winter, leading to a productive spring.

The podcast concludes by noting that this practice not only enhances crop yield but is also an opportunity to experiment with new varieties, making this a fun and rewarding gardening endeavor for the upcoming years.