How to Grow Onions? Detailed Explanation of Planting Methods and Key Technical Points

The first step is to choose a good seedbed site and carry out deep plowing, fertilization and watering of the land; the second step is to sow high-quality seeds and cover with plastic film, paying attention to watering during this period; the third step is transplanting, and after transplanting water promptly; the last step is to do a good job of field management, and then from late May to early June they can be harvested at the appropriate time.

The detailed steps for growing onions are as follows:

1. Raising seedlings

Generally, the seedbed seedling-raising method is used. First water the seedbed thoroughly, and after the water has seeped in, scatter a thin layer of fine soil, then scatter the seeds, and then cover with 1.5cm of soil. Some farmers, in order to speed up emergence, soak the seeds in advance, take them out and dry them until the seeds no longer stick together, then sow.

2. Seedling stage management

After sowing, the seedbed must be kept moist to prevent the soil surface from crusting, which would affect seed germination and emergence. Only after the seedlings have grown their first true leaf can watering be appropriately controlled. At the same time, after emergence, weeds must be cleared promptly to prevent them from competing with the onion seedlings for nutrients, which would cause the seedlings to lack nutrients, turn yellow and grow slowly.

3. Land preparation and fertilization

Onions have a relatively shallow root system, so a plot with fertile soil and good fertilizer and water retention should generally be chosen for planting. As for fertilization, it is recommended to apply evenly, and then carry out plowing to a depth of about 15cm. After plowing, immediately level the soil and make beds. The size of the beds depends on the local climate and the irrigation and drainage conditions of the plot. Generally, wide beds about 2m wide and 10m long can be made to improve land utilization. Before planting, apply base fertilizer well in combination with plowing. The amount of base fertilizer applied should be determined according to the soil fertility and the type of base fertilizer.

4. Planting out

Generally, the row spacing is controlled at 15-18 cm, and the plant spacing at 10-13 cm, with about 30,000 plants planted per mu. After planting out, it is not suitable to apply topdressing immediately, and the frequency of watering should also be well controlled. Cultivate and loosen the soil at regular intervals to keep the field soil moist, so as to facilitate the seedlings' root growth.

5. Watering

Water at the appropriate time, and water promptly after the seedling- hardening stage. Because the outside temperature is high and evaporation is great, the plants need more water, so watering once every 6 to 7 days is appropriate. The principle is to keep the surface soil moist at all times, and water must never be lacking, otherwise the onion bulbs will turn spicy. Stop watering about 1 week before harvest.

During the onion growing period, be sure to pay attention to preventing and controlling the invasion of downy mildew, purple blotch, shrinkage disease, soft rot, root maggots, leaf miners and other pests and diseases. Do the prevention and control work in advance and spray the corresponding agents.