What To Know
- But mastering the art of how to grow onions in Washington state requires a bit of knowledge and planning.
- Sow onion seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, typically in March or April.
- These flies lay eggs in the soil, and the larvae feed on the onion bulbs.
The Pacific Northwest is a haven for home gardeners, and Washington state is no exception. With its cool, moist climate, it’s a prime location for growing a variety of crops, including the humble onion. But mastering the art of how to grow onions in Washington state requires a bit of knowledge and planning.
This guide will equip you with the tools and strategies to cultivate plump, flavorful onions in your backyard. We’ll delve into everything from choosing the right onion variety to harvesting your bounty, ensuring you have a successful growing season.
1. Selecting the Right Onion Variety
Washington’s climate allows for a variety of onion types, each with its own characteristics and growing season.
- Short-day Onions: These are the most common type and are well-suited for Washington’s long days. They mature in about 100 days and are known for their strong flavor and long storage life. Popular short-day varieties include Red Burgundy, Walla Walla Sweet, and Yellow Granex.
- Intermediate-day Onions: These onions require a slightly shorter day length to bulb. They are often planted in early spring and harvested in late summer. Some popular intermediate-day varieties include Red Creole and White Bermuda.
- Long-day Onions: These onions require long days (more than 14 hours) to bulb and are typically grown in northern climates. They are known for their mild flavor and are often used for salads or fresh consumption. Popular long-day varieties include White Italian and Yellow Sweet Spanish.
2. Preparing the Soil for Optimal Growth
Onions thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed for planting:
- Amend the soil: Incorporate 2-4 inches of compost or aged manure into the top 12 inches of soil. This will improve drainage and add essential nutrients.
- Test the pH: Use a soil testing kit to ensure the pH is within the ideal range. If it’s too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH.
- Remove weeds: Remove all weeds from the garden bed before planting. You can use a hoe or hand-pulling to get rid of them.
- Till the soil: Till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to improve drainage and aeration.
3. Planting Your Onion Seeds or Sets
You can start onions from seeds or sets.
Starting from Seeds:
- Sowing time: Sow onion seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, typically in March or April.
- Spacing: Space seeds 1/2 inch apart and 1 inch deep.
- Thinning: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to 4-6 inches apart.
- Direct sowing: You can also start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up.
Planting Sets:
- Planting time: Plant onion sets in late April or early May, after the soil has warmed up.
- Spacing: Space sets 4-6 inches apart and 1 inch deep.
- Firming the soil: Press the soil firmly around each set to ensure good contact.
4. Providing Essential Care for Your Onions
Once your onions are planted, it’s important to provide them with the care they need to thrive.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water deeply, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Onions are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 4-6 weeks.
- Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for resources.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Protecting Your Onions from Pests and Diseases
Onions are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. Here are some common problems and solutions:
- Onion flies: These flies lay eggs in the soil, and the larvae feed on the onion bulbs. To prevent onion flies, use row covers or apply diatomaceous earth to the soil.
- Onion thrips: These tiny insects feed on the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and stunted. To control thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Downy mildew: This fungal disease causes white, fuzzy growth on the leaves. To prevent downy mildew, plant resistant varieties and avoid overhead watering.
- Neck rot: This fungal disease affects the neck of the onion bulb, causing it to rot. To prevent neck rot, allow onions to dry thoroughly before storing them.
6. Recognizing Signs of Maturity and Harvesting Your Onions
Knowing when to harvest your onions is crucial for maximizing their flavor and storage life.
- Signs of maturity: The tops of the onion plants will start to turn brown and fall over, indicating that the bulbs are mature.
- Harvesting: When the tops are brown and dry, use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the bulbs. Gently pull the onions out of the ground.
- Curing: After harvesting, allow the onions to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. This will help dry out the outer layers and improve storage life.
7. Storing Your Onion Harvest for Long-Lasting Enjoyment
Proper storage is essential for preserving your onion harvest.
- Storing onions: Store cured onions in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or pantry. Avoid storing onions near potatoes, as they can release ethylene gas, which will cause the onions to spoil faster.
- Storing onions: Onions can be stored for several months if properly cured and stored.
The End of the Harvest, But Not the Journey
Growing onions in Washington state is a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh, flavorful produce from your own garden. By following these tips, you can ensure a successful harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.
Popular Questions
Q: When is the best time to plant onions in Washington state?
A: The best time to plant onions in Washington state is in the spring, after the last frost. This is typically in March or April. You can also plant onion sets in late April or early May.
Q: What are the most common onion varieties grown in Washington state?
A: The most common onion varieties grown in Washington state are short-day varieties, such as Red Burgundy, Walla Walla Sweet, and Yellow Granex.
Q: How do I know when my onions are ready to harvest?
A: Your onions are ready to harvest when the tops of the plants start to turn brown and fall over. This usually happens about 100 days after planting.
Q: How long can I store my onions?
A: If you properly cure and store your onions, they can last for several months. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from potatoes.
