The MSU Extension means a large and trusted resource for gardeners of all levels. Whether you have a smaller garden or a large plot of land, the MSU Extension provides valuable information and support to help you succeed. One of the key topics covered by the MSU Extension is phosphorus, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
When gardening, it’s important to select and prepare the right site for your plants. The MSU Extension provides guidance on soil testing, site preparation, and proper watering techniques. Additionally, the MSU Extension offers advice on when, where, and how to plant fruits and vegetables so you can grow your own fresh produce.
For those who are new to gardening, the MSU Extension offers easy-to-follow instructions on seeding, planting, and growing. From fertilizing to weed control, the MSU Extension has you covered throughout the growing season. And when it’s time to harvest, the MSU Extension provides guidance on when and how to properly store your fruits and vegetables for long-term enjoyment.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, the MSU Extension offers a wealth of resources and information to help you succeed in your gardening endeavors. From soil care to plant selection, the MSU Extension is here to support you every step of the way.
Onions
Onions are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They are a versatile crop that can be used in a variety of dishes and can be stored away for use throughout the year. There are several different types of onions that can be grown, including bunching onions, which can be harvested for their leaves, and bulb onions, which are grown for their bulbs.
To start growing onions, you will need to select the right type of onion for your growing season and climate. Onions can be grown from seeds or sets, which are small onion bulbs. If you choose to start onions from seeds, you will need to plant them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Once the seedlings have grown to be about 6 inches tall, you can transplant them outdoors.
When planting onions outdoors, choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Onions prefer loose, fertile soil, so till the soil and apply compost or fertilizer before planting. Dig a trench about 2 inches deep and place the onion sets or seedlings about 4 inches apart. If you are planting bunching onions, you can space them closer together at about 2 inches apart.
Onions should be watered deeply, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once the plants are established, water them about once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Be careful not to overwater, as onions are prone to diseases if left in moist soil. Mulch can be applied around the onions to retain moisture and control weeds.
The growth of onions is influenced by temperature and day length. Most onion varieties require 11-12-hour days to trigger bulb development. When the tops of the onions begin to yellow and fall over, it is a sign that the onions are ready for harvest. Pull the plants out of the ground and leave them in the sun for a day or two to dry. Once the tops are completely dry, the onions can be stored for later use.
Onions can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. Bulb onions can be braided together to create a decorative and functional display. The smaller onions, known as sets, can be replanted in the next growing season. Bunching onions can be used in cooking right away.
Onions are a great addition to any vegetable garden. By selecting the right varieties, planting at the appropriate time, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful onion harvest.
| Growing Season | Planting | Harvesting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date | Harvest in late summer when tops yellow-brown and fall over |
| Fall | Plant onion sets or seedlings directly outdoors | Harvest in early spring when tops yellow-brown and fall over |
For more information on growing onions, you can refer to the MSU Extension’s guide on onions.
Varieties
When it comes to growing onions, there are a wide variety of options available. The first sign of home-grown onions is usually the bulbing of the plants. Onions tend to prefer well-drained soils that retain moisture well, so be sure to water them regularly.
There are several varieties of onions that can be grown, including the intermediate-day varieties which require 12-13 hours of daylight to begin bulbing, and the long-day varieties which require 14-16 hours of daylight. The intermediate-day varieties are best suited for areas with a milder climate, such as the northern parts of the United States, while the long-day varieties are more suitable for the southern parts of the country.
When planting onions, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, be sure to plant the onions in well-prepared soil that has been amended with organic matter. This will provide the onions with the nutrients they need to grow. It’s also a good idea to space the onions about 4-6 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases.
Onions can be started from seeds, sets, or transplants. It’s common to start onions from transplants, as they are easier to handle and tend to establish quickly. When transplanting, be sure to plant the onions so that the white bulb is about 1 inch below the soil surface.
Onions require regular care to ensure their health and productivity. This includes watering the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and keeping the area around the onions free of weeds. It’s also important to fertilize the onions regularly, as they are heavy feeders.
Harvesting onions can be done once the tops begin to die back and fall over. The tops can then be cut off, and the onions can be left to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Once fully dried, the onions can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months.
Some popular onion varieties include Crystal White Wax, Iowa Yellow Globe, and Red Wethersfield. Crystal White Wax is a short-term storage onion with a mild flavor, while Iowa Yellow Globe is a larger onion with a strong flavor. Red Wethersfield is a long-day onion that can be stored for up to 8 months.
Overall, growing onions can be a rewarding experience. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful and healthy onions right from your own garden.
Table 1: Short day 11-12-hour day length
Insects: Insects may stay away from the garden due to the shorter day length.
Leave: Leave the stored bulbs in the ground for a short-term, as the short day length signals the plants to stop bulbing.
Apply: Apply mulch to protect the plants during the winter.
Table 1: A table for short day 11-12-hour day length.
Short-term storage: Begin the storage of onions outdoors after the leaf tips turn yellow-brown.
Read: Read the guide for planting onion varieties in spring.
Weeds: Remove weeds from the soil before planting.
Preparation: Prepare the soil by deeply working and incorporating organic matter.
Storage: Store bulbs in a cool, dry, and well-drained place.
Plant: Plant onion bulbs during the 11-12-hour day length for best results.
During: During the winter months, check the stored onions regularly and remove any rotten or diseased ones.
12-13-hour day length: In Iowa, the 12-13-hour day length is a major sign for the start of the onion growing season.
Braid: Braid the onions together and hang them up for storage at home.
Season: The short day length is the beginning of the onion planting season.
Planting: Plant onion varieties suitable for your region in order to ensure good growth.
Spring: In southern regions, planting can begin in the spring.
In: In the next growing season, select a different spot for onion planting to avoid diseases caused by crop rotation.
Then: Then, select smaller onion sets for planting.
Guide: The MSU Extension provides a guide on growing onions in Michigan.
Most: Most onion varieties require well-drained soils.
Watering: Water onions deeply once a week, only when the soil is dry.
Work: Work the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches before planting.
Wide: Wide-row planting can be done for bunching onion varieties.
Next: The next week, start seeding the onion varieties.
Sign: The appearance of leaf tips turning yellow-brown is a sign for bulb formation.
Light: Provide full sun to the onions for optimum growth.
Crystal: Crystal white onions are a popular selection for home gardeners.
Each: Each onion plant should be spaced at least 4-6 inches apart.
Care: Take care of the onions by providing regular watering and weeding.
Seeding: Seeding onions should be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.
Smaller: Smaller onion sets are preferred for planting, as they usually produce larger onions.
MSU Extension: The MSU Extension provides comprehensive information on growing onions.
