Shallots like to be grown in the same soil conditions as onions, that is, rich, loamy soil with good drainage. If your soil is sandy or clayey you should amend it before planting with compost or manure. Shallots like lots of phosphorous and potassium but not too much nitrogen, so good fertilizers to add at the time of planting are bone meal, fish bone meal, or rock phosphate for phosphorous, and kelp meal, wood ashes or greensand for potassium.

Shallots like to develop their spearlike leaves when the weather is cool, followed by warmer weather for the development of the bulb portion of the plant. If you live in a northern climate and plant in the fall you should protect the shallots with a layer of mulch. If you live in a mild winter climate plant in the fall through early spring.

Plant individual cloves broad end down, about two inches deep and six inches apart. Plant in rows or beds. Keep soil moist throughout the growing season. Control weeds to prevent competition, and feed with a balanced organic fertilizer when the tops are about six inches tall and the bulbs begin to swell.

Shallots are ready to harvest when the tops begin to fall over and wither. Cure them for several days outdoors where there is good air circulation out of direct sunlight. When the bulbs are dry store them in a cool, dry place by braiding or hanging in a string bag.