Growing Onions
| More Garden Resources Organic Gardening Growing Salad Vegetables |
The only necessary initial choice for gardeners is determining whether the short-day (for souther gardens with less daylight) or long-day (for northern gardens with more daylight) onions are suited for the garden's climactic conditions.
Soil Conditions: Onions are adaptable to many types of soil in the 6.0-6.5 pH level range. They grow best in temperate climates where the soil received good moisture.
Planting Tips: Onions can be planted from seeds, sets or bulbs. Seeds are the least expensive alternative and they can be planted indoors and transplanted, or sown directly into the soil after the final frost.
Spacing: If the onions have been grown from seed, thinning the row of young plants in three to four inches of space between them allows for maximum bulb development.
Plant Care: Onions have shallow root systems and require about two inches of water per week and a weed free environment.
Harvesting Tips: From seed to table or storage, most onions require a three to four month growing cycle. Early onions may be harvested as spring onions.
© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels