So, you're thinking about fall onions? Excellent choice! There's a certain satisfaction in tucking those little bulbs into the ground in the autumn and watching them pop up next spring, ready for your salads and stews. This isn't rocket science, but a little know-how goes a long way. Let's dive into the delightful world of planting fall onions and ensure you're well on your way to a flavorful harvest.
Not all onions are created equal, especially when it comes to fall planting. You'll want to focus on long-day varieties, as they are best suited for the longer daylight hours that come with the spring and summer growing season. These varieties need a longer daylight period to develop their bulbs. Consider which kind of onions you prefer in your cooking.
Some top choices include:
When selecting your onion sets (small, dormant bulbs), look for firm, healthy sets. Avoid those that are soft, sprouting, or moldy. They should be about the size of a nickel or a dime - a good starting point for a successful crop. Starting with transplants, available at nurseries, is another option and gives you a head start.
Onions, like any diva, have their preferences. They crave well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Before planting, it's a smart move to get a soil test. This will tell you what nutrients your soil is lacking and what amendments you might need. This is particularly vital in areas where the soil is heavy clay or has poor drainage - onions absolutely detest sitting in wet feet. Consider amending your soil with compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic matter to improve drainage, add nutrients, and create an ideal growing environment.
Choosing the right location is just as important. Onions need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Select a spot that receives plenty of sun. Also, consider the space. Make sure you space your plants correctly to allow for proper growth and air circulation, typically around 4-6 inches apart.
For planting onion sets, plant the bulbs pointy side up, just below the surface of the soil, about 1 inch deep. If you're using transplants, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots, and plant them at the same depth they were in the container. Gentle is the name of the game when you plant them.
Once planted, water your onions thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Onions are thirsty plants, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot. A deep watering once or twice a week is often sufficient, depending on the weather. Mulch around your onion plants with straw or other organic matter to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Speaking of weeds, consistent weeding is critical. Weeds compete with your onions for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Remove weeds as soon as you see them. Hand-weeding is usually the best approach, as it minimizes disturbance to the onion roots. Also, consider using row covers, especially early in the season, to deter pests and protect your young onion plants from harsh weather.
Fertilizing your onions is essential for healthy growth. About a month after planting, apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or a fertilizer specifically formulated for onions. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully. As the onions mature, you may want to side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer to encourage bulb development. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. If you spot something suspicious, take action quickly to protect your crop.
The time to harvest your onions depends on the variety and your local climate. Generally, you can harvest when the onion tops begin to turn yellow and fall over. This signals that the bulbs have reached their full size and are ready for harvesting. Stop watering your onions a week or two before harvest to allow the bulbs to cure.
To harvest, carefully loosen the soil around the onions with a garden fork or trowel. Gently lift the bulbs from the ground. Handle the onions carefully to avoid bruising. After harvesting, cure your onions. Lay them out in a well-ventilated, shaded area for a week or two. This allows the outer skins to dry and toughen. Then, trim the roots and the tops, leaving about 1 inch of stem.
Proper storage is crucial to keep your onions in good condition. Store your cured onions in a cool, dry, and dark place. Ideal storage temperatures are between 35°F and 40°F (1.6°C and 4.4°C). With proper care, your fall-planted onions can be a delicious addition to your meals, long after the harvest season has ended.
For fall planting, focus on long-day varieties that thrive on longer daylight hours. Great options include Walla Walla Sweet, Yellow Spanish, and Copra. These varieties are specifically bred to form large bulbs when exposed to the extended daylight of spring and summer.
Plant onion sets (small bulbs) with the pointy end up, about 1 inch below the soil surface. For transplants, plant them at the same depth they were in their container, making sure the roots are well-covered. Firm the soil gently around the plants.
Onions are ready to harvest when the tops begin to turn yellow and fall over. This indicates that the bulbs have reached their full size and are ready. Stop watering a week or two before harvesting to help the bulbs cure properly. Gently lift them from the ground, handling carefully to avoid bruising.