What To Know
- With a little planning and the right techniques, you can cultivate delicious onions right in your own backyard, even in the Northeast.
- These varieties are best for New England because they mature quickly and are less likely to bolt (produce a flower stalk) in the long days of summer.
- Once your onion plants are in the ground, there are a few things you can do to ensure a bountiful harvest.
New England’s climate, with its chilly winters and humid summers, presents unique challenges for gardeners. But fear not, onion lovers! With a little planning and the right techniques, you can cultivate delicious onions right in your own backyard, even in the Northeast. This guide will walk you through the process of growing onions in New England, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting your bounty.
Understanding New England’s Climate
New England’s climate is characterized by cool, wet springs and summers with high humidity. This can be a double-edged sword for onion growth. The cool temperatures in spring and fall are ideal for onions, but the humidity can lead to fungal diseases.
Choosing the Right Onion Varieties
Not all onion varieties are created equal. Some are better suited to New England’s climate than others. Here are some recommendations:
- Short-day onions: These varieties are best for New England because they mature quickly and are less likely to bolt (produce a flower stalk) in the long days of summer. Popular short-day varieties include:
- Red Burgundy: Known for its deep red color and mild flavor.
- Texas Super Sweet: A sweet, mild onion with a white skin.
- Yellow Granex: A reliable, yellow-skinned onion with a strong flavor.
- Intermediate-day onions: These varieties can be grown in New England, but they may require a longer growing season.
- Long-day onions: These varieties are not recommended for New England as they require a long, warm growing season to mature.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Onions thrive in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
- Choose a sunny spot: Onions need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Amend the soil: If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
- Test the soil pH: If your soil pH is too low, add lime. If it’s too high, add sulfur.
- Work the soil: Turn over the soil to a depth of 12 inches and remove any weeds or rocks.
Starting Onions from Seed
Starting onions from seed is the most common method. Here’s how to do it:
- Start seeds indoors: Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use a seed starting mix and place seeds ¼ inch deep in seed trays.
- Transplant outdoors: After the last frost, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week. Transplant seedlings into the garden bed when they are 4-6 inches tall. Space them 4-6 inches apart.
Transplanting Onion Sets
Onion sets are small bulbs that can be planted directly into the garden. Here’s how to transplant onion sets:
- Purchase sets: Onion sets are available at most garden centers. Choose sets that are firm and free of damage.
- Plant sets: Plant sets 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart.
- Water well: Water sets thoroughly after planting.
Caring for Your Onion Plants
Once your onion plants are in the ground, there are a few things you can do to ensure a bountiful harvest:
- Water regularly: Onions need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week.
- Fertilize: Side-dress your onions with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
- Weed regularly: Keep your garden bed free of weeds, as they compete with your onions for nutrients and water.
- Control pests: Onion fly and onion thrips are common pests. Use row covers or insecticidal soap to control them.
- Mulch: Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Use straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves as mulch.
Harvesting Your Onions
Onions are ready for harvest when the tops begin to fall over and the bulbs feel firm. Here’s how to harvest your onions:
- Pull or dig: Gently pull the onions from the ground or dig them up with a garden fork.
- Cure: Allow the onions to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This will help them store longer.
- Store: Store onions in a cool, dry place.
Beyond the Harvest: Using Your Onions
Your hard work has paid off! You have a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown onions. Now, it’s time to enjoy them in all their glory.
- Freshly picked: Use your onions in salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries.
- Caramelized: Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to soups, stews, and burgers.
- Pickled: Pickles onions add a tangy crunch to salads and sandwiches.
- Dried: Dried onions can be used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces.
Celebrating Your Success: A Gardeners’ Delight
Growing onions in New England is a rewarding experience. It’s a testament to your dedication and skill as a gardener. As you savor the sweet taste of your homegrown onions, you’ll know that your efforts have been worth it.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: When is the best time to plant onions in New England?
A: The best time to plant onions in New England is in early spring, after the last frost. You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or plant onion sets directly into the garden.
Q: How can I prevent onion fly from attacking my plants?
A: You can use row covers to protect your onion plants from onion fly. You can also try planting onions near garlic, which repels onion fly.
Q: What should I do if my onion plants start to bolt?
A: If your onion plants start to bolt, you can try to pinch off the flower stalks. However, it’s best to choose a variety that is less prone to bolting.
Q: Can I grow onions in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow onions in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.
Q: How long do onions last in storage?
A: Properly cured onions can last for several months in storage. Store them in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
