Onions give a good return for the space occupied and should be included in every garden in Alabama.
If you are interested in growing large bulb onions, set out transplants in early spring, usually 4 to 8 weeks begore the anticipated last killing freeze in your area. Transplants should be no larger than a lead pencil and should be spaced about 2 inches apart in the row. Two rows of onions per bed are satisfactory. When onion plants have about five leaves, sidedress with about 1/2 cup 15-0-15 fertilizer for each 10 feet of row. Scatter the fertilizer evenly between rows and water it in. Since onions have a limited root system, a constant supply of moisture should be available. This is especially true once onions start to bult and enlarge.
Bulb onions are ready for harvest when stems weaken and fall over. Pull them from the garden and place in a protected area to dry for 1 to 2 days. After drying, remove the tops and roots and store in a relatively dry, cool area. |
