Slave on the River Cottage Forum asks if last years shallots can be planted this year as sets

I have some shallots left from last years crop, they are nice and firm and in good condition. Can I plant these for this years shallots, if yes should I choose the biggest?

• TopVeg have planted our own shallots, to grow on, for years - the same ones that my father has grown for over twenty years.

• You find a strain you like, & it is worth keeping it going.

• They yield and store well, and there always seem to be more than we need and plenty left for re-planting.

• We usually buy a few in - but our family strain always seem to do better.

• Choose the firm, healthy bulbs with a good skin for replanting. We plant average sized bulbs.

Planting last year’s shallots is a way of keeping a good strain going and is very successful as long as the bulbs are healthy.