To plant green onions outside, choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil that's neutral to slightly acidic. Green onions are relatively easy to grow and don't require much space, making them perfect for small gardens or raised beds.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Choose a Location: Green onions thrive in a sunny spot. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
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Prepare the Soil:
- Ensure the soil is well-draining. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
- Green onions prefer fertile soil, so mix in compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
- The ideal soil pH is neutral to slightly acidic (around 6.0 to 7.0).
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Planting:
- From Seeds: Sow seeds directly into the garden about ¼ to ½ inch deep and ½ inch apart. Thin seedlings to 1-2 inches apart once they emerge.
- From Sets (Small Bulbs): Plant sets about 1 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart.
- From Transplants (Store-Bought or Regrown): If you're transplanting green onions, space them 1-2 inches apart. You can even regrow green onions from store-bought ones by placing the white root end in water until roots appear, then planting them in soil.
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Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
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Fertilizing: Green onions benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
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Weeding: Keep the area around the green onions free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
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Harvesting: You can start harvesting green onions when they are about 6 inches tall. Simply pull them from the ground or snip off the green tops as needed. Cutting the tops encourages further growth.
Tips for Success:
- Succession Planting: Plant new green onions every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Raised Beds: Green onions do well in raised beds, which provide excellent drainage.
- Companion Planting: Green onions make good companion plants for many vegetables, including carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce. They help deter pests.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow green onions in your garden and enjoy fresh, flavorful onions throughout the growing season.
