Growing Onions: Recommendations for Selecting Seeds and Protecting the Crop

Sowing cold-hardy onions begins at different times, depending on the intended purpose. Failure to follow key planting steps can result in a yield that doesn't meet expectations. The appearance of "fat necks" is the primary indication that sowing was done at the wrong time. To harvest a great onion crop, it's essential to carefully select the right material and implement effective weed control measures. This article addresses these issues.

Selecting a planting base

Large onion sets and small onion sets are the best raw materials for growing green onions. The seeding base weighs between 20 and 30 grams and is up to 3 cm in diameter. To harvest green onions in June and July, sow the seeds directly into the soil. Experienced vegetable growers prefer multi-germ varieties, as they are characterized by a large number of leaves.

Planting itself can begin in either fall or spring. Harvesting should only occur when the leaves have reached a marketable appearance and the stems begin to emerge, which can reduce the quality of the greens.

Preparing for growing green onions from seed is no different from that for harvesting onions. Experienced vegetable growers begin sowing in early spring.

The optimal seeding rate is 20 to 25 kg per hectare. To obtain a high yield of green onions, choose a site that receives good sunlight and warmth. Light loamy soil is considered the most suitable.

The following crops can be predecessors of green onions:

• early cabbage varieties;
• peas;
• cucumber;
• potato.

After harvesting the aforementioned plants, soil preparation should begin immediately. This includes the following steps:

1. Peeling.
2. Autumn plowing.
3. Planning.
4. Cultivation.

Furthermore, it's important to plan your post-harvest activities immediately, identifying the crops you'll be growing next. This helps you choose the right fertilizers and their dosage.

To obtain green onions in the winter, planting of “selections” or “sets” begins in October.

Those who allow the bulbs to root reap a good harvest. It's best to plant them a month before the onset of severe frost.

Popular techniques are:

• ribbon (20x50 cm);
• inter-row (45 cm).

The planting rate depends on the onion's characteristics. It ranges from 2 to 4 tons per hectare of land. In autumn, the onions are planted at a depth of 4–5 cm, and in spring, at a depth of 2–3 cm.

Chemical protection of onion crops

Insecticides are the treatment of choice for many vegetable growers to prevent and eradicate pests from their vegetable fields. To harvest large, juicy bulbs, farmers also apply pre- and/or post-emergence herbicides. Some believe that chemicals negatively impact the taste and nutritional value of vegetables, so they prefer bioinsecticides and biofungicides. Which is the right choice? Both.

Those who prefer chemicals will quickly and effectively deal with weeds, while those who don't will have to take a more difficult path but will receive 100% environmentally friendly products.

Let's look at some biological pest control products:

1. Vegeton is an antibacterial and immunomodulatory fungicide. It effectively protects plants from rot and downy mildew. It contains chitosan oligosaccharides, Pseudomonas auerofaciens rhizobacteria, cytokinin, and heteroauxin. Spraying ensures excellent results with drip irrigation. This treatment method is very cost-effective. The product is completely water-soluble, penetrating the soil and internal plant systems. It accelerates bulb growth and development, enhancing natural pest resistance. Those who used Vegeton noted improved crop quality.

2. "Akkar." This product is designed to kill moths, onion flies, and thrips. It consists of four microbiological elements (hyphae and spores). Akkar's manufacturers claim it is safe and 100% natural.

Biological control is good, but it's only effective in certain situations. Natural pesticides are sometimes ineffective against persistent weeds and insects.

Herbicides and insecticides, in turn, have proven highly effective. Which protection methods are best? Everyone decides for themselves!