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. |
