Spring Onion Pompeii

Growing Spring Onions

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Sunlight: 

• Spring onions prefer at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, especially during cooler months.
• In extremely hot regions, some afternoon shade might be beneficial, particularly during the peak summer heat.

Soil: 

• Well-drained, fertile soil is essential. Amend heavy clay soils with copious amounts of compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.
• Sandy soils may require more frequent watering to maintain moisture.
• A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.

Soil Preparation: 

• Before planting, till the soil to a depth of approximately 20cm, removing any weeds or rocks.
• Incorporate well-rotted compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil and improve its structure.

Planting Method

Sowing Time: 

• Sow seeds directly into the garden bed in autumn for a winter and spring harvest or spring for a summer and autumn harvest.
• Adjust timing based on your local climate. See product description.

Sowing Depth & Spacing:

• Sow seeds directly into your garden about 3 mm deep and 3 cm apart.
• Thin seedlings to 5 cm apart once they have a few true leaves to prevent overcrowding and promote better growth.

Ongoing Care

Watering: 

• Consistent moisture is crucial, particularly during germination and establishment.
• Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth and avoid surface waterlogging.
• Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilising: 

• Spring onions are relatively low-maintenance, but a light application of balanced, slow-release fertiliser at planting or during active growth can boost production.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of bulb development.

Weed Control: 

• Regularly weed around your spring onions to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Mulching helps suppress weed growth.

Pest & Disease Management: 

• Monitor plants for pests like onion flies and aphids.
• Natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects (ladybugs) or using insecticidal soap, are recommended over harsh chemicals.

Harvesting

Leaf Harvesting: 

• Begin harvesting leaves when they reach a desirable length, typically 6-8 weeks after sowing (depending on the variety).
• Cut the leaves from the base, leaving the roots intact for continued growth. This allows for multiple harvests from a single plant.

Bulb Harvesting: 

• For a full bulb harvest, pull the entire plant from the ground when the bulbs reach a desirable size.

Companion Planting

Beneficial Companions:

• Carrots: Deters onion flies and benefits from the onion’s pest-repelling properties.
• Lettuce/Spinach: Tolerates partial shade from spring onions and shares resources.
• Rosemary: Repels many common garden pests.
• Chamomile: Can help improve the soil.

Plants to Avoid:

• Beans can sometimes inhibit onion growth.

Regional Considerations

Tropical/Subtropical Regions:

• Plant in the cooler months (autumn and winter) to avoid heat stress. Provide adequate shade during the hottest part of the day.

Temperate Regions: 

• More flexibility in planting times. Autumn and spring sowings are ideal.

Arid Regions: 

• Water conservation techniques are crucial. Mulching and drip irrigation are recommended.

Troubleshooting:

Yellowing Leaves: 

• May indicate nutrient deficiencies (particularly nitrogen), overwatering, or pest infestation.

Poor Growth: 

• Check for pests, diseases, soil compaction, or nutrient deficiencies.

Bolting (Flowering):

•  Occurs under stress conditions (heat, drought, overcrowding).
• Harvest immediately.