How to Plant Set Onions

Planting onions from sets is an easy and rewarding way to grow your own delicious onions. Sets are small, immature onion bulbs that are ready to plant straight into the ground. Here are some steps to help you successfully plant set onions.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting your set onions, it is important to prepare the soil. Onions prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Start by removing any weeds from the area where you will be planting. Then, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil's structure and nutrient content.

Planting the Sets

Set onions should be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. Separate each set and plant them about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart in rows. The pointed end of the set should be facing upwards. If you are planting more than one row, space the rows about 12 inches apart to allow for good airflow.

Watering

Onions require consistent moisture to grow properly. Water the bed immediately after planting the sets, making sure they are thoroughly soaked. After that, check the soil moisture frequently and water the bed as needed to keep the soil slightly damp but not waterlogged.

Fertilizing

Onions need a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season to produce healthy bulbs. A slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied to the soil before planting, or you can feed the onions with a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks after planting. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the rate and frequency of application.

Weed Control

Keep the onion bed weed-free throughout the growing season. Weeds can compete with the onions for nutrients and water, hindering their growth. Hand-pulling weeds is the safest and most effective way to control them in an onion bed.

Harvesting

Onions are ready to harvest when their tops begin to yellow and fall over. Pull the onions out of the soil and gently brush off any excess dirt. Lay them out in a cool, dry place to cure for a few days. After they have cured, cut off the tops and roots and store them in a cool, dry, and dark location.

In summary, growing onions from sets is a simple and satisfying way to produce your own delicious onions. Prepare the soil, plant the sets, water consistently, fertilize, control weeds, and harvest when the onions are ready. With these basic steps, you will be well on your way to growing your own amazing onions.