When to Plant Onions in Tennessee

Planting onions in Tennessee requires careful consideration of the state's growing conditions and weather patterns. Whether you want to grow sweet onions or storage onions, knowing when to plant them is crucial for a successful harvest. In this article, we'll explore the best time to plant onions in Tennessee and offer some tips for successful onion cultivation.

Choosing the Right Time

To successfully grow onions in Tennessee, you must understand the state's growing conditions. The best time to plant onions in Tennessee is between late fall and early spring. Specifically, you should plant onion sets or transplants in late October or early November, or as soon as the ground is workable in the spring, which is typically around mid-March.

Planting Tips

To ensure the best growth for your onions, follow these tips:

1. Choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Onions prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

2. Plant onion sets or transplants about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart, with the pointed end facing up. Onion sets are small bulbs, while transplants are young plants grown from seeds.

3. Water the onions well after planting to help them establish root systems. During the growing season, water the onions when the soil is dry to a depth of 1-2 inches.

4. Add fertilizer to the soil before planting, and again halfway through the growing season. Use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content, such as a 10-20-10 or 15-30-15 blend.

Harvesting Onions

The time to harvest onions in Tennessee depends on the type of onion you are growing. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions, are typically harvested in late spring or early summer, while storage onions are harvested in late summer or early fall.

When harvesting sweet onions, wait until the tops have fallen over and the onion bulbs have begun to "mature." To harvest, gently loosen the soil around the bulb with a garden fork, then pull the onion out of the ground. Store sweet onions in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

To harvest storage onions, wait until the tops have died back completely, then pull the onions out of the ground and let them dry in a well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Once the onions are dry, cut off the tops and store them in a cool, dry place. Storage onions can typically be stored for up to six months.

In conclusion, planting onions in Tennessee can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and execution. Use the tips above to ensure your onions have the best possible chance of success, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious onions.