Tips for Growing Onions
Many would say that onions are an acquired taste, but for those who enjoy them, onions are a delicious vegetable that can be eaten raw on a sandwich, added to soups or mixed in casseroles to give everything a terrific flavor. If you’re like me, you go through a ton of onions…which is precisely why you should grow them in your very own yard! Many home gardeners say that onions are the number one choice when it comes to growing vegetables. Onions also have a terrifically long shelf and storage life. Follow our tips on growing onions to get started.
Prepare your garden space – Onions like a firm, rich soil with medium moisture. However, the soil should be fairly dry when you first plant your onions. If there is any trace of mud or too much moisture, wait until the dirt has dried out a bit. They also love full sun, so try and keep seedlings on a windowsill and plants in the garden in an area that gets plenty of natural light. When planting your onions, dig holes about 18 inches deep. Be sure to remove any debris and stones that you come across while digging to ensure enough room for healthy root growth.
Ensure you are planting at the right time – There are several varieties of onions, and each variety should be planted in different months. Japanese onion should be planted in mid-August, main crop onions should be planted in March, and sweet salad onions prefer to be planted in June.
Check in with your plants – Once you plant the onion seeds, seedlings should begin to appear in about 20 days or so. If you’re growing main crop onions, they may need to be rotated and slightly separated once the vegetable begins to grow. Smaller varieties shouldn’t have to be moved.
Regularly check for pests – Different species of flies and worms are the most common pests to be aware of when growing onions. Depending on the variety you’ve chosen to grow, look into the appropriate pesticide, and try to use one that is organic with no harmful chemicals.
Harvest – When your crop is ready to be harvested, the tops become brown and begin to fall over. Now you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor by adding onions to a great selection of recipes and dishes.
