onions

 The idea of sowing onion seeds in August is a very good one, because it is a known fact that seeds sown at this time of year are not affected by onion fly.

However it is not always possible to do so because some land might be exposed to cold north or easterly winds which will prevent the seeds from taking off.

There will be, of cause some sites that are fortunate enough to have fairly light soil and some protection from the cold wind.

The main advantage of this is that the onion is more resultant to disease and the bulbs are larger.

Many growers sow in drills nine inches apart, however you will find that it is better to sow at twelve inches or more apart. The reason is that it is easier to use the every important hoe, in the wider row. Make sure that you do not sow deeper than half an inch.

The most important thing to do and remember, is to use the hoe frequently. This give you healthy and strong growth of the seedling during September and October. Slightly thin the seedlings in order to avoid the danger of having your crop becoming bottle-necked in the following summer.

Summer Treatment of Onions:

Here we will be looking at the transplanting of seedlings from August-sown beds, and also those coming from January sowing under glass.

As far as the preparation of the soil is concerned, all that has been said about this applies in this case. Apart from the fact that more space will be needed between the rows. You must allow at least eighteen inches in between the rows and ten inches from plant to plant in the row itself.

Seedlings that have over wintered can now be moved to a permanent site. This can be done as early as March. Do not transplant seedlings that are growing under glass until the soil as warmed up; that is until the danger of frost has past. Plant them firmly but not too deep.

During the summer feed the rows with a liquid manure however do not continue this after late July, the reason is that plants fed after that time will not keep well in the store.

Continue hoeing, but make sure you do not disturb the roots of the plant. Good onions grow in firm soil ( do not hoe too deep ) and by hoeing you secure a loose surface tilth which will act as a mulching to conserve moisture.

When the crop is approaching maturity, turn the tops over. by doing this you will direct energy from the roots into increasing the size of the onion rather than developing useless top growth.

Harvesting Your Onions.

A common mistake is to leave the onions in the soil when they have finished growing. If you do this, a secondary growth will start and the onions will not store well.

Lift the crop carefully and spread then in the sun for a few weeks so that they can thoroughly dry and ripen. Then take them to a dry, airy and light place, lay them on trays and use them as you need them.

You may of noticed that I made no mention of varieties. My advice is to grow what your neighbours grow because onions are funny things and do not like moving from north to south.

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