How to Plant Green Onions from Seeds

Green onions are not only delicious in recipes but they are also easy and fun to grow at home. Planting green onions from seed is a great way to enjoy their fresh taste and get into gardening. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to plant green onions from seeds.

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

The first step in planting green onions from seeds is to choose the right time. Green onions are a cool-weather crop and grow best in temperatures between 40掳F to 75掳F (4掳C to 24掳C). The ideal time to plant green onion seeds is in early spring, roughly 2-4 weeks before the last frost date.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Once you have chosen the right time to plant, it is important to prepare the soil properly. Green onions grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to remove any rocks, debris, or weeds from the planting area before sowing the seeds. You can also add compost or well-aged manure to the soil to enrich it.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

After preparing the soil, it is time to plant the green onion seeds. You can either sow the seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors in a seed tray. If you are sowing the seeds directly into the soil, create shallow trenches about 1/4 inch deep and 8 inches apart. Place the seeds in the trench and cover them with soil. If you are using a seed tray, sow the seeds thinly and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds regularly to ensure they stay moist.

Step 4: Water the Seeds

Water is essential for the germination of green onion seeds. Make sure to keep the soil moist for the first 2-3 weeks after planting. However, be careful not to overwater as this can cause the seeds to rot. Once the green onions start to grow, reduce the water slightly to prevent the soil from becoming too wet.

Step 5: Thin the Seedlings

Once the green onion seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, it is time to thin them out. Thin the seedlings to about 2 inches apart to give each plant enough room to grow. Use scissors to cut the tops of the extra seedlings at the soil level, rather than pulling them out. This will avoid damaging the roots of the remaining plants.

Step 6: Harvest the Green Onions

Green onions are ready to harvest when they are about 6 inches tall. Cut the green onions at the base of the plant, leaving about 1 inch of the stem. You can either use them immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

In conclusion, planting green onions from seeds is a simple and enjoyable process that can be done by anyone with a little patience and effort. Follow these easy steps and enjoy the delicious benefits of homegrown green onions!