What is considered the best organic fertilizers for onion crops? If you want your onion plants to have a solid structure, you must provide them with the important nutrients and also macro vitamins. Giving them fertilizers would be one of the best ways to ensure that your plants get all the nutrients and vitamins. It’s a good thing that there are different fertilizers out there that can help your onions grow bigger and stronger. And although some people prefer chemical stuff, it’s always a good idea to stick to the natural kind.
Onions and Their Eating Habits
Before you learn about the best organic fertilizers for onion crops, you should know that onions are generally heavy feeders. It means that they appreciate the extra food that you give them. Whereas other plants only need a little fertilizer, that’s not the case with the onion plants. You can give them a lot of food, and yet, there is no worry about harming them.
Also keep in mind that onions love nitrogen, so going with fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen can really help your plants grow bigger bulbs. And the fertilizers are available in both organic and synthetic types, so you have a wide array of options.
Synthetic Fertilizers
In case you want to consider the synthetic types, you can always try these types:
Sodium nitrate. Although it’s considered synthetic, you can actually find the organic type. But if you use it, be careful with salt accumulation, which can be an issue for your soil.
Calcium nitrate. This fertilizer is commonly used for peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant because they need the extra calcium. In general, onions don’t really need extra calcium, but if you do, you know which type to choose.
Ammonium sulfate. If you want your onions to have that unique pungent and spicy flavor, then ammonium sulfate should be added to your mix.
Organic Fertilizers
Besides the synthetic fertilizers, you can always go with the organic ones. What is the best fertilizer for onions?
Fish emulsion. It’s rich in nitrogen and it provides balanced, important nutrients to grow big and healthy. Not to mention that fish emulsion is also rich in phosphorus, which can strengthen the root system. If you want to enjoy greater results, apply the emulsion on the first stage of the planting. After that, just do it once per week and you will be just fine.
Compost. It’s rich in organic matter that includes potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, which is great for water retention and soil structure.
Bone meal. It’s made from dried animal bones that are crushed and turned into fine powdery form. It’s rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which can help with strong roots development and overall strong cell building.
Blood meal. This fertilizer is known for its rich nitrogen compound, which is great for strong and solid leaf growth. The leaves will be bright green with a lush healthy appearance.
Final Words
The decision whether you want to use the synthetic fertilizer or the organic one completely lies within your hand. However, organic fertilizers for onion crops are undoubtedly the best option for healthy crops without getting too many chemicals in your soil. And don't forget to visit this article if you are looking for how to successfully plant and grow onions in your garden.