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Let's talk onions

Posted by donnabaskets 7b-8 MS (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 10, 09 at 19:36

This will be my first year to plant a fall/winter garden. I have read everything I can get my hands on. Most books, etc. are pretty discouraging when it comes to onions. I am seeing in my local feed store "multiplying onions", but of course the folks behind the counter don't know much.

Here are my questions:
Do you grow bulb onions successfully? If so, what kind, when do you plant, how do you store, and how long do they keep?

If you don't grow bulb onions, do you grow scallions, shallots, multipliers, or leeks?
If so, I'd like info and your opinion on the pros and cons of these, with specifics on varieties, etc.

Thanks!


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Let's talk onions

Hey Donna,

I responded to your question in Southern gardening yesterday but not really about growing full size onions.

I haven't done that in a while, but to grow onions, you have to plant in the early spring. As the bulb grows, you sorta rake the dirt away from the onion. Sometimes,it is kinda iffy growing large onions due to rain. I have more trouble with red onions rotting. As far as storing these, we always tie them up with some rattan or jute or some type of string and hang them up.

I think you were calling the other kind bunching onions. I wrote back saying my hubby thinks bunching is the same thing as multiplying. You can plant those in spring, summer or fall. Of course, these are usually grown for the green tops. (Just to make sure we are talking the correct onion here) These are the ones that are great to eat with turnip greens and cornbread in the fall and winter. LOL

As far as leeks, I have never grown them before. They are much milder than onions. Not sure when to plant those. Fall might be a good time for those too.

Good luck! Luv those onions,

marie


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RE: Let's talk onions

Yes, I was referring multiplying onions. I found a source yesterday that said they make very small bulbs, but those can be eaten, I assume as you would eat pearl onions. I guess the only way to know is to try them, so I am going to get a few and give them a go for fall. Thanks for responding!


 
 

 

 


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