When to plant onion sets in the Leningrad region

Onions are a staple in every garden, regardless of gardening experience. They're a staple in most dishes, contain nutrients, and help fight colds. The most convenient option for gardeners is growing onions from sets. Let's look at the best time and method for doing this.

Dates for planting vegetables in open spaces according to the lunar calendar

Every year, astrologers create a planting chart based on the lunar phases. It contains information about favorable and unfavorable days for gardening.

But to accurately determine the planting date for onions, the lunar calendar isn't enough. You should also consider your local area and climate. Onions aren't particularly fussy, but they grow best in sunny, warm summers.

The best days for sowing onion sets in 2018 can be found in this list, taking into account your location:

• September: 8, 27, 29;
• May: 4, 5, 14, 31;
• June: 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 18

You can plant onions in the winter on the following dates:

• September: 8, 27, 29;
• October: 6, 8, 26;
• November: 3, 22, 28, 30

In the Leningrad Region, as well as the Moscow Region, it is advisable to plant vegetables outdoors in early May, when the soil is warm enough for the crop to bear fruit well.

The prepared planting material is planted in fresh beds, cleared of weeds and stones. The area should be well-ventilated and located in full sun. Shade causes the plant to rot.

Planting onions too early can weaken the bulbs. Gardeners will then only get a large green mass. Planting onion sets at the end of June is also not recommended. They won't ripen fully, and their size will be unsuitable for storage.

Rules for planting and fertilizing vegetables in open spaces

Fourteen days after planting the onions in the garden bed, they need to be fertilized. During this period, the green shoots are inactive and have a yellowish tint. To promote normal growth, nitrogen-containing compounds should be added to the soil. To do this, dissolve 40 g of ammonium nitrate, 30 g of potassium chloride, and 50 g of superphosphate in a bucket of water. Water the beds with the mixture at a rate of 1.5 liters per square meter.

After 2-3 weeks, apply a second fertilizer with cow manure or compost. Thirty days later, before digging up the onions, apply another dose of potassium and phosphorus fertilizer. You can prepare your own by dissolving 300 g of ash in a bucket of hot water and letting it sit for 2 days. Use 2 liters of the fertilizer per square meter.

What kind of soil do onions grow in?

There should be no bushes or trees near the planting site. Acidic soil with many weeds is not suitable for seedlings.

Good onion precursors include zucchini, cabbage, legumes, pumpkin, and potatoes. These vegetables should be fed with organic matter, which will be very beneficial for the onion sets later.

The best neighbors for this crop are carrots, beets and cabbage, when they grow at a sufficient distance (at least 50 cm), otherwise they will shade the vegetable.

Onions require loamy and sandy soil. Heavy soils don't produce a high-quality harvest.

The most important rule when growing any garden crops is a positive attitude aimed at producing beautiful, tasty produce.