Under the Lights

Finally! Seed Starting Season 2010 has officially begun here at my house. 'Walla Walla' onion seeds went under the lights yesterday (planted in peat pellets in a takeout container -- I love these containers. Almost makes me want to eat more takeout...)

I grew 'Walla Walla' last year because my husband wanted them, and by the time I got my hands on some seeds it really was too late to plant them. But, plant them anyway I did, and we harvested and ate several of these deliciously sweet onions last August. They were small, but wow were they good.  I've heard people say they can eat 'Walla Wallas' out of hand, just like an apple. I wouldn't say they're quite that sweet, but they definitely have a nice amount of sweetness to them.

I grew them from seed planted in peat pellets last year as well, and planted them out in early May. I should note here that I also grew another variety of onion from sets, and these didn't do nearly as well as my onions grown from seed (even though I started the seeds late). This is pretty common. Most people buy onion sets, but onions grown from transplants you started yourself from seed generally fare better and grow stronger in the garden. Added bonus: a packet of seeds is WAY cheaper than the cost of an equivalent number of onions sets.

Do you grow onions? Which varieties? From seeds or sets? Come on, share it with us!