How to Plant Onions That Have Sprouted

Onions are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, and growing them is easy and rewarding. If you've found some onions that have started to sprout, don't throw them away - you can plant them and grow even more. Here's how to plant onions that have sprouted.

Preparing the Soil

Before you plant your sprouted onions, you need to prepare the soil. Onions prefer loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy, add some sand or compost to increase drainage. You can also add some organic fertilizer, such as well-rotted manure or compost, to boost the nutrient content of the soil.

Planting the Onions

Once your soil is ready, you can start planting the onions. Separate the sprouted onions and plant each one about 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart. If your soil is heavy, you can plant them a bit shallower, but make sure the neck of the onion is still covered. Onions prefer full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Caring for the Onions

Onions don't require a lot of maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to help them grow. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and water deeply once a week. If you live in a dry climate or your soil is sandy, you may need to water more often. Weeds can compete with the onions for nutrients, so keep the area around the onions weed-free. You can also add a layer of mulch around the onions to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting the Onions

Onions take about 100-120 days to reach maturity. When the tops of the onions start to yellow and fall over, it's time to harvest them. Gently dig up the onions with a garden fork or trowel, being careful not to damage the bulb. Let them dry in the sun for a few days, then trim off the tops and roots and store the onions in a cool, dry place.

Growing onions from sprouted bulbs is an easy and rewarding way to add fresh produce to your garden. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious onions in just a few months.