What determines the yield of onions?
Content:
By the beginning of the season, we have at least two or three nets with onions sevkom, various varieties. Our acquisitions are facilitated by numerous "profitable" offers from shopping centers, including those not specializing in the sale of planting material. However, agreeing to "profitable" offers, we often buy onions that have noticeably lost in volume (dried out), or have already begun to sprout. Such bulbs are suitable for planting in a greenhouse in order to get a good yield of onions (feathers) in early spring.
If we want to grow large bulbs that do not form arrows, which will be well stored in the future, planting material must be chosen of high quality. Bulbs must be of the same size, firm, dry and free of sprouts. Onions will meet these requirements if they have been well dried and stored properly.
Storage and processing of onions before planting
It should be noted that low temperatures (+ 4, + 5 degrees) during storage of sets are one of the reasons for the subsequent formation of arrows.
Many gardeners recommend to store the onion at a temperature of +18, +20 degrees two or three weeks before planting, and before planting, hold the onion at a temperature of + 36, + 38 degrees for 8-10 hours. You can ensure this temperature by placing a container, a box of onions, for example, on a battery.
In addition, a few hours before planting, the seedlings are soaked in warm water so that the bulbs are saturated with moisture. Some leave the bulbs in the water for much longer, before root formation, in order to accelerate growth. However, it is possible to get the opposite effect, since when planting the bulb in the soil, the roots can be damaged, thereby slowing down the process of their development.
If desired, the germination of the bulb can be stimulated in another way - by cutting off dry tails before planting. This option is also suitable for those who are a little late in planting onions. In this case, the bulbs can also be treated with a growth stimulant solution.
Also, before planting, in order to disinfect and prevent fungal diseases, the bulbs should be kept in a solution of potassium permanganate for 20-30 minutes. The amount of manganese should be such that the solution acquires a deep pink color. After that, the onions must be washed well and, finally, you can start planting.
Onion yield and proper planting
The soil for planting onions should be loose, fertile. The acidity level of the soil, optimal for a given crop, is neutral.
In addition, when determining where to plant onions, you must remember about compatible crops and predecessors.
So, onions should be planted in the beds on which greens (dill, parsley) were previously grown, as well as potatoes, cabbage, pumpkins, zucchini.
Neighborhood with carrots is “mutually beneficial” as crops help each other in pest control. Also, onions grow well next to radishes, beets, tomatoes, watercress, strawberries.
It is not advisable to plant onions in the same place for several seasons.
It is recommended to leave the distance between the grooves at least 15 cm for sufficient illumination of the plants and ease of maintenance.
It is recommended to cover the bulbs at a depth of at least 7 cm. When planted at a shallower depth, the roots of the bulbs may dry out, since the topsoil dries out quickly enough. Lack of moisture will negatively affect the growth of the bulb, especially during the rooting period.
In addition, in May, when most of us plant onions, temperature drops are not uncommon, both day and night.Long-term, for 2, 3 days, exposure of the bulbs to low temperatures, subsequently can lead to shooting. Therefore, embedding the bulbs at the indicated depth will slightly reduce the effect of temperature changes on the plant and reduce the risk of shooting.
Onion yield depends on proper feeding and care.
For good development, onions need moisture. If possible, you need to ensure that the soil does not dry out, but also does not become waterlogged. Excessive moisture will be "signaled" by the pen, becoming pale green.
Loosening of the soil will contribute to good air exchange, moisture capacity of the soil, which is important for the proper development of the bulbs.
You cannot get a good harvest of onions without weeding the beds.
You should carefully consider feeding onions. Two weeks after planting, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are applied, which accelerate growth. With a lack of nitrogen, greens will grow slowly. However, if you overdo it with feeding, the plant will throw energy into forcing the green mass, and the bulb, which is more important to us, will be weak.
About a month after the first feeding, potash-phosphorus fertilizers are applied.
The lack of these elements will be "prompted" by a yellowing feather and drying tips. They are recommended to be removed so that they do not take food from the bulb.
In August, potassium-phosphorus feeding is recommended to be repeated.
It should be recalled that it is better to apply fertilizers in calm weather. The nutrient solution must be poured at the root, taking care not to spill onto the feather. On the next day of planting, it is advisable to water the onion using the sprinkler method.
Well, after so much work, we are getting ready to harvest a good harvest!