How to Plant Sprouted Onions
Are you the kind of person who always has a few sprouted onions lying around in your pantry? Don't throw them away! Instead, learn how to plant sprouted onions and grow your own fresh onions with just a little bit of effort.
Materials Needed:
- Sprouted onions
- Garden soil
- Fertilizer
- Watering can or hose
- Garden trowel
Step 1: Prepare the Garden Bed
Find an area in your garden that gets full sun and has well-draining soil. Onions need plenty of sunlight and don't like to sit in water. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Using a garden trowel, loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and remove any weeds or debris.
Step 2: Plant the Onions
Gently separate the sprouted onion into individual bulbs, making sure to keep the green shoots intact. Dig a small hole in the prepared garden bed, about 1-2 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the bulb. Space the bulbs about 4-6 inches apart. Plant the bulbs with the green shoots pointing upwards, and cover with soil.
Step 3: Water and Fertilize
Water the onions thoroughly, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Onions don't like to sit in soggy soil, so be sure to let the soil dry out slightly before watering again. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil once every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth.
Step 4: Harvest the Onions
Onions take around 100-120 days to mature, depending on the variety. Once the onion tops begin to yellow and fall over, it's time to harvest them. Gently dig around the bulb with a garden trowel, being careful not to damage the onion. Allow the onions to dry in a warm, sunny location for 2-3 weeks before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Planting sprouted onions is an easy and rewarding way to grow your own fresh produce. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful and nutritious onions in no time!