Image Up Advertising & Design

26 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2015 Planting and Growing Shallots Shallots… the "gourmet onion." They're like garlic dressed up as an onion, with all the flavor of both worlds wrapped up in a humble little package. You may be familiar with shallots by the name multiplier onions, and you may have had them roasted or sautéed in your favorite restaurant meals; they're a popular ingredient with amateur and professional chefs alike. If you search for shallot recipes, you'll find thousands of ways to enjoy these alliums, close relatives of onions, garlic, and leeks. That said, shallots are also just as easy to grow as onions, garlic, and leeks. Here's what you need to know: Our shallots come as sets or individual dormant bulbs, ready to be planted when you receive them. You will plant each individual bulb or head, so separate any bulbs that may arrive attached to one another prior to planting. You may notice that shallots are similar to onions in outer appearance, but inside you will find that they have cloves rather than layers, which is more similar to garlic. Shallots, like other alliums, prefer growing in a nutrient rich, loose soil that drains well. • If you have very loose, sandy soil, consider amending with compost and coco-fiber medium to add nutrients and improve water retention. • If you have heavy, compact soil, consider amending with compost and coco-fiber medium to add nutrients and break up heavy soil to allow more even distribution of water. • You may also consider growing shallots in raised beds to get the most from your shallot harvest in a soil composition over which you have more control. Planting and Growing Shallots If you grow your own garlic, growing shallots is quite similar. Shallots planted in the fall will need a layer of mulch for protection (4 to 6 inches), since shallots grow near the soil surface and have shallow root systems. Shallots planted in the spring also benefit from mulching as it protects the shallots from cold snaps and helps avoid having the new bulbs dry out. • Space each planting hole at least 4 to 6 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. • Make sure shallot bulbs are planted root end down and pointed end up. • Plant bulbs deep enough so that the tops are just covered with about an inch of soil. • Water thoroughly after planting. Avoid letting the shallots dry out, but do not over water. • Remove all weeds as they appear to keep nutrient competition down. Note: rain and irrigation may expose tops of newly planted shallots, which may result in interest from certain birds. Consider using garden netting to prevent birds from pulling up your shallots. Harvesting Shallots Shallots are ready to harvest in summer once the leafy tops wither (usually 90 days from planting) and a paper skin develops on the bulbs. • Carefully pull up shallots, leaves and all. • Gently remove as much soil as possible from the plants. • Store in a cool, dry place for about 7 days. If there is no precipitation in the weather forecast, you may leave the shallot harvest to dry in the garden. To avoid sunburn, partial shade is recommended if you are allowing shallots to cure in the garden. • Remove root ends and leafy tops and store (like onions and garlic) for future culinary use. Many shallot growers also use the leafy tops as alternatives to green onions or chives in recipes. These can be harvested once the leafy tops have substantial growth, about a month after planting. Shallots make a great vegetable addition to the kitchen garden, especially if you already love onions and garlic. Grow your own shallots and add a gourmet touch to your favorite meals! ~ Len Tavernetti Beaumont Blooms Shallots… the "gourmet onion"

• Cover