Quick summary
Onions , a staple in countless culinary art , add depth and flavor to any dish . Growing your own onions is arewarding experiencethat allow you to operate the quality and amount of this various veg . This comprehensive scout will provide you with all theessential knowledgeand techniques to cultivate anabundant harvestof onion .
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step inonion cultivationis take the appropriate assortment . There are threemain typesof onions :
Preparing the Soil
onion prefer well - drained , loamy soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . The soil should be amended with plenty of constitutional affair , such as compost or manure , toimprove fertilityand drainage .
Planting the Seeds
Allium cepa seeds should be sown indoors 6 - 8 week before the last Robert Lee Frost date . Sow theseeds thinlyin aseed tray filledwith a sterile seed - start mixture . Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of 65 - 70 ° F ( 18 - 21 ° C ) .
Transplanting the Seedlings
When the seedlings have produce 2 - 3true leave , they are ready to betransplanted out of doors . Harden off the seedling bygradually exposingthem to out-of-door conditions for a hebdomad before transplantation . set the seedlings 4 - 6 inches aside and 1 - 2inches deepin rows that are 18 - 24 inches aside . Water the seedlings good after transplant .
Watering and Fertilizing
Onions require regular watering , especially during raging , dry weather . Water theplants deeply , reserve the soil to dry out slightly between lachrymation . fertilise the onions every 3 - 4 weeks with abalanced fertilizer . Avoid over - fertilizing , as this can lead toexcessive vegetative growthand poor light bulb formation .
Mulching
Mulching around the onions help oneself toretain wet , suppress weeds , andregulate grunge temperature . Use a layer oforganic mulch , such as straw , chopped leaves , or compost .
Controlling Pests and Diseases
Onions can be susceptible to various pests and diseases , including thrips , Allium cepa flies , anddowny mildew . exercise good harvest rotation and keep thegarden cleanto minimize the risk of infestation .
Harvesting
onion are quick to harvest when thetops starttoturn brownand fall over . The medulla oblongata should be solid and have a papery pelt . To reap the onions , gently liftthem out of the ground with a spade or fork . Remove anyexcess soiland heal the onions in a quick , dry placefor 2 - 3 hebdomad .
Storing
Store the cured onions in a cool , dry placewithgood ventilation . Onions can be stored for several months under right status .
Tips for Growing Lots of Onions
FAQ
Q : How often should I irrigate my onions?A : Water theonions deep , earmark the stain to dry out out slightly between waterings . Q : What is the best fertilizer for onions?A : Use abalanced fertilizerwith a proportion of 10 - 10 - 10 or similar . Q : How can I forbid onion flies?A : Userow coversorfloating row coversto protect the Allium cepa from tent-fly . Q : What make Allium cepa to rot?A : Onions canrot duetoexcessive wet , pitiable drainage , or fungous disease . Q : How long can I store onions?A : Properly cure onionscan be stored for several months in a nerveless , teetotal placewith in effect ventilation .
