ONIONS from seed need a long growing season and you could sow them now in a heated propagator for planting out in March.

This is how exhibition growers manage to get large bulbs for shows.

However, it's much easier to grow them from little bulbs called sets', which can be bought from garden centres or via mail order for planting in March and April.

The soil should be dug over thoroughly and weeds and large stones should be removed. Then each set should be eased into the soil (in straight rows) so the tips are left protruding, spaced around 10cm (4in) apart for large onions, and slightly closer for smaller ones.

Cover the newly-planted sets with netting to protect them from birds. If you are growing carrots as well, interplant them with onions, as the oniony smell may deter carrot fly.