Planting across most of the UK was delayed this year, and it has been no different for the onion sector.
"Everything was planted in very wet soils and later than normal. It is always a challenge when you are running late, do you plant in saturated soils, or do you wait a bit longer? But it went generally well, some pockets were not planted as it was just too wet." said Stephen Hedderly from Bedfordshire Growers.
"The season now depends on the weather, April, May were kind but more recent cool and overcast conditions are not proving helpful, Crops are variable with growth anywhere from 2.5 - 5 true leaves, but always good to assess the crop position as we approach the longest day in the next 10 days.
"Quality challenges to focus on are downy mildew and a new pest: Bean seed fly which has caused challenges in a few areas this year, annoyingly in some areas where never seen before. Wire worm is also proving challenging.
"2023/24 season nearly at the end for us with the last Red and Browns being graded. As with most packers in Europe the focus turns to imports with predominately Egyptian and Southern Hemisphere crops coming into the UK.
"We should have the new crop available by the end of July, predominately started with over wintered and quickly followed by sets as long as the weather is kind in the next 6-7 weeks."
For more information:
Stephen Hedderly
Bedfordshire Growers
Tel: +44 1767 312403
Email: [email protected]
www.Bedgrow.co.uk