Why Grow Onions, Leeks, & Shallots?
Onions, leeks, and shallots are not only kitchen staples but also heart-healthy and versatile ingredients that enhance a variety of dishes. Growing these alliums is rewarding and easy with the right techniques.
Planting Methods
These alliums can be grown using different methods:
- Onion Sets: Small, dormant onion bulbs that grow into mature onions.
- Transplants: Young onion plants resembling scallions, ready for planting in the garden.
- Seeds: Start seeds indoors and grow your own transplants.
Choosing the Right Varieties
Onions are categorized as long-day, short-day, or intermediate-day types. The best type for your garden depends on your location:
- Long-Day Onions: Ideal for northern regions, needing 14-16 hours of daylight to bulb.
- Short-Day Onions: Best for southern regions, needing about 10 hours of daylight to bulb.
- Intermediate-Day Onions: Versatile and suitable for most areas, requiring 12-14 hours of daylight.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Alliums are heavy feeders and thrive in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, add compost and a balanced organic fertilizer to the soil. Gopher wire is recommended to protect your plants from pests.
Spacing Recommendations:
- Onions: Space 4-6 inches apart in rows 8 inches apart.
- Leeks: Space 2-6 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart. Plant in 6-inch-deep trenches to blanch the stems as they grow.
- Shallots: Space 7-9 inches apart, with the blunt root side down and tops just touching the soil surface.
Care Tips
Proper care ensures healthy and productive plants:
- Watering: Provide consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.
- Weeding: Keep the beds weed-free to allow the alliums to thrive.
- Bird Protection: Use bird netting to prevent curious birds from pulling up shallots.
Harvesting & Storing
Onions are ready for harvest mid-summer when about half the leaves turn yellow. Cure them for a few days in a partially shaded area before storing. Leeks should be harvested when they are about 2 inches in diameter, and shallots can be harvested once the tops dry out.
Discover our Allium Purple Sensation bulbs for your garden to start growing beautiful and productive plants!
Grow these kitchen staples and enjoy the benefits of fresh, organic produce. Grow organic for life!
