Thanks Stephen, your reply has greatly helped me improve my, what is at
present ,very limited horticultural knowledge. I have just sown Bedford
Champion and, when the time comes to transplant, will bear in mind your kind
info. ps Thinking back to Gardeners Question Time, Bob actually said, "Get
your onion seed in now and don't forget when it comes to planting them out,
wash the roots".
"Stephen Howard" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 16 Feb 2003 17:40:36 +0000, Alan Gould
wrote:

In article , richard.sadler richard.sadl
writes
Bob Flowerdew in his tip today reminded us to get our onions sown before
the
short days are upon us. He mentioned washing the roots before
transplanting,
but did not offer an explanation, can think of tranfer of bugs /bacteria
maybe, has anyone got the correct reason for this action?, Please.

The reference to short days seems to indicate that Bob was discussing
autumn sowing. Autumn sowing of onions is more likely to be from sets
than seeds, so perhaps it was a way of giving the sets a good start.

Washing the roots might apply to e.g. a fairly thickly sown tray of
seedlings which needed to be disentangled before planting, or it may be
a way of ensuring that the seedlings' root systems are well watered at
that important time.

I've often heard it recommended that onion and leek seedlings are
'puddled' when planting out.
I assume this is because the root filaments are quite delicate, and
puddling perhaps ensures that the roots are in contact with the soil.

I've always had good results by simply watering in well after
planting.

Regards,



--
Stephen Howard - Woodwind repairs & period restorations
www.shwoodwind.co.uk
Emails to: showard{whoisat}shwoodwind{dot}co{dot}uk