Not everyone knows the proper way on how to successfully plant and grow onions in your garden, which is a shame because you can get the best use of the plant. Onions have been one of the most popular and also traditional plants grown for centuries. They give a unique and tasty flavor to your food. Plus, it’s not that difficult to grow them. Imagine having your own onion garden where you can easily pick one whenever you want it to. Whether you need to know how to grow onions in pots or in your garden, be sure to do it right so you can enjoy the fruitful outcome.
Planting Preparation
Here’s what you need to know about how to successfully plant and grow onions in your garden.
You should start planting in the springtime, especially when the ground is ready. It’s usually taking place in April or late March. At that time, the temperature is no longer cold. You can expect a temperature above -2 degrees Celsius or around 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can start from indoor planting first. During the very early spring months, you can start the seeds in indoor settings. Do it for around 6 weeks before you move the seeds outdoors. The soil should be 50 degrees Fahrenheit, at least.
Onion plants need around 4 weeks to 6 weeks to grow well, and it should be done in a warm setting. During colder months (especially during fall or winter), they will be dormant. That’s why it’s a good idea to move the plants indoors for colder seasons and then transplant them again to the outdoor settings during spring and summer.
Planting Options: Sets vs Seeds
Most people would be wondering whether they should grow the onions from sets or seeds. Both methods are possible, but the majority of people prefer the sets to the seeds because of their simplicity.
You see, onion sets refer to small onions that will mature within 14 weeks. When compared to the seeds, they have higher chances of success. You can find them at gardening stores, where they are available in small bulbs. Once you choose the sets, you can simply plant them and wait until they are mature. Go with not-too-big sets. The bulbs should be ¾ inch (in diameter). If you go with bigger ones, they tend to make stiff necks.
But then again, if you prefer planting the onions from seeds, you can always do it. This is especially perfect if you live in colder areas. Keep in mind that the soil should be 50 degrees of Fahrenheit in order to germinate. You can always start indoors before transplanting them outdoors for around 6 weeks. This is also another reason why it’s a good idea to learn about how to grow onions in pots.
Important Matters
If you want to have successful yield, keep these things in mind:
It’s always a good idea to have crop rotation so you can max out the usage of the land and soil
Onion plants love sunlight, so carefully choose a spot where the plants can get plentiful light without being shaded by other plants.
It’s always a good idea to fertilize them. After all, onions are heavy feeders.
Go with loose and well-draining soil. Compacted soil isn’t very good for the onions as it will affect the development of the bulb
Once you get the hang of it, you should be able to grow happy onions without fuss. Now that you know how to successfully plant and grow onions in your garden, it’s time to do deep research about the type or variety.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán: pexels.com