How to Grow Onion Bulbs

Onions can withstand frost and cold temperatures, making them a good crop for colder areas. Planting onion bulbs shortens the growing time. Purchase bulbs from nurseries or garden supply stores. Keep bulbs moist before planting. Many recipes use onions, including soups and salads. Most insects leave onions alone, which takes away the need for pesticides. Onions grow best in full sunlight and with no weeds. Weeds take away nutrients and water from the soil that the onions need to grow.

Things You'll Need

• Onion bulbs
• 1 pound of compost
• Rake

Instructions

1. Rake one pound of compost in rich, water-retaining soil. Make rows with the rake, about 10 inches apart.

2. Dig half-inch holes, 4 inches apart, in the row. Set one bulb in each hole and cover with dirt. Plant the bulbs in the early spring or late fall, according to the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University.

3. Add fertilizer or compost to the soil every three to four weeks, according to gardenhobbies.com. Water the soil enough to keep it moist. Weed once a week.

4. Harvest the onions after the tops die and fall off, according to gardeners.net. Dry the onions by removing the top and root. Dry for two days. Drying helps the onions last longer.

References

• Home Garden Bulb Onion Production
• Garden Hobbies: How to Grow Onion