Sun: Plant in full sun (6 to 8 hours). Space 2 to 4 inches apart within rows or 3 to 4 plants per 2- to 3-gallon container. Plant January through March and September through October.
Soil: Amend with organic matter to create a well-drained soil. Avoid planting in unamended sandy or heavy clay soils. If the soil test shows pH is below 6.2, apply lime in October or November as recommended.
For proper drainage in a container garden, use potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes. Alternatively, consider using self-watering containers.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Apply 1 to 2 inches of water each week. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal disease. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Plant: Direct sow seeds 1⁄2 inch deep. Plant onion transplants (sets) 1⁄4 inch deep. For spring plantings, use sets instead of seeds. For large bulb onions, plant transplants at least 2 inches apart. If buying transplants, choose those with healthy color and a stocky appearance. Dig the planting hole as deep as the root ball or slightly deeper. Firmly pat down the soil and water deeply.
Fertilize: In the absence of a soil test, apply an all-purpose fertilizer (8-8-8 or 10-10-10) at planting, according to label directions. Reapply beside plants, 4 to 6 inches from the stem (side-dress), when tops are 6 inches tall.
When onion plants have about 5 leaves, side-dress with about 1⁄2 cup of 15-0-15 per each 10 feet of row.
Insects/Diseases/Weeds: Scout plants frequently for insect/disease damage. Use insecticidal soap (for soft-bodied insects) or Bt dust or spray (for caterpillars, or worms). Spray fungicide regularly to suppress common fungal diseases. Always follow label instructions. Mulch inhibits weeds and diseases.
Harvest: Harvest at 40 to 120 days. Harvest time varies depending on the variety.
Other: Green onions are ready when they are 6 to 8 inches tall. 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 tops and roots and store in a dry, cool area.
Visit www.aces.edu/go/growmore for more information.
Learn how to grow the best fruits and vegetables with the Grow More Garden Series at www.aces.edu/go/growmore.
Bethany O’Rear, Regional Extension Agent, Home Grounds, Gardens, and Home Pests, Auburn University
Revised December 2023, Grow More Onions, ANR-2876-M
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Sun: Plant in full sun (6 to 8 hours). Space 24 to 36 inches apart within rows or 2 plants per 5-gallon container. Plant mid-April through mid-May and in July.
Soil: Amend with organic matter to create a well-drained soil. Avoid planting in unamended sandy or heavy clay soils. If the soil test shows the pH is below 6.2, apply lime as recommended.
For proper drainage in a container garden, use potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes. Alternatively, consider using self-watering containers.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Apply 1 to 2 inches of water each week and more during hot summer days. Keep leaves dry to avoid fungal diseases. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Plant: Start seedlings 3 to 4 weeks before planting and slowly harden off 1 week before moving to the garden. If buying transplants, choose those with healthy color and a stocky appearance. Avoid plants with flowers. Dig the planting hole as deep as the root ball. Firmly pat down the soil and water deeply.
Fertilize: In the absence of a soil test, apply an all-purpose fertilizer (8-8-8 or 10-10-10) at planting, according to label directions. Apply nitrogen 4 to 6 inches from the stem (side-dress), 4 to 6 weeks after planting.
Insects/Diseases/Weeds: Scout plants frequently for insect and disease damage. Use insecticidal soap (for soft-bodied insects) or Bt dust or spray (for caterpillars, or worms). Spray fungicides regularly to suppress common fungal diseases. Always follow label instructions. Mulch inhibits weeds and diseases.
Harvest: Harvest at 65 to 85 days from transplant when fruits are 4 to 6 inches in diameter and firm and bright in color. Harvest time varies depending on the variety.
Other: Eggplant is sensitive to cold soils and frost.
Visit www.aces.edu/go/growmore for more information.
Learn how to grow the best fruits and vegetables with the Grow More Garden Series at www.aces.edu/go/growmore.
Bethany O’Rear, Regional Extension Agent, Home Grounds, Gardens, and Home Pests, Auburn University
Revised December 2023, Grow More Eggplant, ANR-2876-Y
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Sun: Plant in full sun (6 to 8 hours). Space 4 to 6 inches apart within rows or 1 plant per 5- to 7-gallon container. Plant April through July after any danger of frost has passed.
Soil: Amend with organic matter to create a well-drained soil. Avoid planting in unamended sandy or heavy clay soils. If the soil test shows pH is below 6.2, apply lime in January or February as recommended.
For proper drainage in a container garden, use potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes. Alternatively, consider using self-watering containers.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Apply 1 to 2 inches of water each week and more during hot summer days. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal disease. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Plant: Direct sow seeds 11⁄2 inches deep near a trellis or stake. Thin sprouts to about 6 inches between plants. Transplants are not recommended.
Fertilize: In the absence of a soil test, apply an all-purpose fertilizer (8-8-8 or 10-10-10) at planting. Use one-half the recommended rate of nitrogen; too much nitrogen will stop flower and pod production.
Insects/Diseases/Weeds: Scout plants frequently for insect/disease damage. Use insecticidal soap (for soft-bodied insects) or Bt dust or spray (for caterpillars, or worms). Spray fungicide regularly to suppress common fungal diseases. Always follow label instructions. Mulch inhibits weeds and diseases.
Harvest: Harvest at 60 to 70 days, when pods are fully developed. Harvest time varies depending on the variety.
Other: Maintain uniform soil moisture during bloom and pod development.
Visit www.aces.edu/go/growmore for more information.
Learn how to grow the best fruits and vegetables with the Grow More Garden Series at www.aces.edu/go/growmore.
Bethany O’Rear, Regional Extension Agent, Home Grounds, Gardens, and Home Pests, Auburn University
Revised December 2023, Grow More Peas (Southern), ANR-2876-N
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Sun: Plant in full sun (6 to 8 hours). Space 2 inches apart within rows or 1 to 2 plants per 5- to 7-gallon container. Plant in February for early spring harvest.
Soil: Amend with organic matter to create a well-drained soil. Avoid planting in unamended sandy or heavy clay soils. If the soil test shows pH is below 6.2, apply lime in October or November as recommended.
For proper drainage in a container garden, use potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes. Alternatively, consider using self-watering containers.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Apply 1 to 2 inches of water each week. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal disease. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Plant: Direct sow 2 inches deep near a trellis or stake. Transplants are not recommended.
Fertilize: In the absence of a soil test, apply an all-purpose fertilizer (8-8-8 or 10- 10-10) at planting. Use two-thirds of the recommended rate of nitrogen; too much nitrogen will stop flower and pod production.
Insects/Diseases/Weeds: Scout plants frequently for insect/disease damage. Use insecticidal soap (for soft-bodied insects) or Bt dust or spray (for caterpillars, or worms). Spray fungicide regularly to suppress common fungal diseases. Always follow label instructions. Mulch inhibits weeds and diseases.
Harvest: Harvest at 60 to 70 days, when pods are fully developed but still bright green. Harvest time varies depending on the variety.
Other: Sweet peas can be eaten in pods or shelled. Pick early when still tender. Maintain uniform soil moisture during bloom and pod development.
Visit www.aces.edu/go/growmore for more information.
Learn how to grow the best fruits and vegetables with the Grow More Garden Series at www.aces.edu/go/growmore.
Bethany O’Rear, Regional Extension Agent, Home Grounds, Gardens, and Home Pests, Auburn University
Revised December 2023, Grow More Peas (Sweet), ANR-2876-O
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