Planting onion sets in open ground

So, the dates for planting onion sets outdoors depend not only on the lunar calendar but also on basic weather conditions. Determining these weather conditions for onions is easy. If it's already warm outside and the weather holds for a week, then you're ready to plant.

It's also worth noting that this is just the beginning of the planting season. Onion sets can be planted for greens throughout the entire gardening season. And once that's over, you can easily and quickly grow these greens at home. After all, they don't require any special or complex growing conditions.

Preparing the soil for planting

Remember that you shouldn't grow onion sets in the same part of your garden two years in a row. However, the new site you choose should be loamy, not acidic. Incidentally, if your soil is too acidic, using crushed raw eggshells as a fertilizer can help reduce it. You can safely plant onion sets in areas of the garden previously used for squash, cucumbers, potatoes, or tomatoes. Areas previously used for melons or legumes are also suitable.

If you watch a video about when and how to plant onion sets in open ground, you'll see that the location absolutely needs to be bright. Do you have soil in your garden that receives constant sun? Great, it's perfect for onions. Early May offers the perfect combination of weather conditions and lunar calendar dates (after the full moon on May 3rd) for planting onion sets. However, the date isn't as important as choosing the right location in your garden and preparing the soil.

Advice! If you want your onions to produce a double harvest, you should fertilize the soil beforehand. You can use regular wood ash, using a bucket per square meter.

Spring sowing: the beginning of the season

The first month when you can plant onion sets outdoors in our climate is April. However, much depends on the year and the weather. If the weather has been warm for a week and there's no risk of frost at night, then the onions are ready to be planted.

But here you need to take into account various weather surprises. If there is a frost at night, be sure to cover the onions with plastic wrap and then uncover them in the morning to allow the seedlings time to gradually adapt to the changed weather conditions. Also, consider the lunar calendar for planting onion sets outdoors. Like any planting, this should not be done during the full moon or new moon. In May, the full moon is on the 3rd, and the new moon is on the 18th.

About the rules of planting and care

The best way to plant this crop is in wide strips. A distance of 25 centimeters from the center of the strips is sufficient. The planting depth should be about three centimeters. The first harvest can be harvested within a couple of weeks. If you want a green conveyor belt all year round, then after the first harvest, you should plant the next rows of onions.

So, the best time to plant onion sets is early May. The risk of frost is reduced to zero, meaning you can sleep soundly at night. Although there's a chance you'll need to cover them with plastic wrap in early May, you can safely plant them outdoors in mid- to late May, with only occasional watering required to ensure a good harvest.

Advice! Since onion sets are smaller than the onions we're used to, they're ideal for forcing green onions. However, don't expect too much from these bulbs; it's better to continually sow new ones rather than trying to revive old ones and force them to produce even more.

What if we sow winter crops?

Unlike spring onions, which can be harvested in just three weeks, winter onions will only sprout after a month and a half. They are planted in the ground in winter and can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (-5°F). This is provided there is no snow. However, when there is snow, they will tolerate even lower temperatures.

When planting winter onion sets, you should also use wide-row divisions. However, it's important to select hybrids that can thrive in low temperatures and produce a good harvest.

How to improve germination and growth:

• Heat the seedlings at 45 degrees Celsius for ten hours. This heating should be done two weeks before planting.
• Sort the onions and discard all diseased and dry seedlings (an excellent preventative measure to ensure good germination, as well as powdery mildew).
• Before planting, plunge the onions into boiling water for 5 seconds. This will harden the onions even in severe frosts and will not reduce the final yield.
• By the time of planting, the soil should be warmed up to 7 degrees Celsius or more.
• Moisten the soil before planting.
• Place into the hole no deeper than three centimeters.
• After planting, water the beds again. Continue watering in dry weather.
• Unlike watering, you should loosen the soil constantly.

Now you know not only when to plant onion sets outdoors, but also how to do it correctly. We hope this year your harvest will be abundant and long-lasting, ensuring fresh greens are always on your table.