For many of us home gardeners, a veggie patch just doesn’t feel complete without onions. There’s honestly nothing better than harvesting your own homegrown bulbs to share with the family! But if you’re looking for a bumper crop, timing is everything.
When to Get Your Onions in the Ground
The best time to plant depends on the variety you’ve chosen and whether you’re feeling adventurous enough to try starting them from seed. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep you on track:
- Overwintering (Winter) sets: Plant these between August and October.
- Spring sets: Aim for late March to early April.
- Starting seeds indoors: Also best begun in late March or early April.
Winter sets stay in the ground through the cold months for a spring harvest, while spring-planted sets will be ready for your kitchen by the fall.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Onions aren’t particularly picky, but a little planning goes a long way in preventing issues like downy mildew. Generally speaking, onions love a sunny spot with a bit of a breeze—especially if you live somewhere humid.
When it comes to feeding them, hold off on the heavy fertilizer right at planting time. Instead, work some compost into the soil a few weeks before you start. If you’re planning for a spring planting, you can even prep the soil with nutrients the previous fall.
Onions make great neighbors for carrots or beets! If you’re starting seeds indoors, a greenhouse or a cozy room kept between 60-65°F (16-18°C) is perfect. Just make sure the little guys are protected from harsh drafts or scorching direct sun. Once you’ve transplanted your seedlings, they’ll thrive as long as they have plenty of light.
How to Plant Your Onions
Before you start planting, give your soil a good fluffing and clear out any weeds. When you’re ready to go, don’t bury your sets too deep—the tips should actually still be peeking out of the soil.
While every variety has its own quirks, a good rule of thumb is to plant them about an inch deep. Space your rows about 8 to 12 inches apart, and leave about 2 to 4 inches between each individual plant to give them room to grow.
