Onions are a versatile crop that comes in a variety of colors for various culinary uses. And, because they are so simple to grow and take up so little area in the garden, they are ideal for a beginner to try and can be a simple form of exercise to do with young kids.
Onions can be grown from seed, but growing them from sets is much easier and faster. One tiny onion set matures into one bigger onion. These sets are best planted in the autumn or spring, and if the soil outside is still too cold for planting, onion sets can be started indoors in modular trays.
If this is your first time growing onions, remember to start with sets that have a pointy on one end. Once you already have some onion sets, it’s time to pull out the multi-purpose compost and a modular tray. If you don’t have a modular tray lying around, small flower pots will suffice. Simply place one set in each.
Once you have got every material and tool, follow the steps below.
- Fill your modular trays half-full with multipurpose compost. You don’t need to be precise; simply toss it in and then use your hand to tap slowly to level off any extra dirt on top.
- It’s now time to add the onion sets one by one. Remember to keep the pointy tip facing up. Don’t be afraid to press them in with your fingers so that only the tips protruding.
- If you don’t think you’ve used enough soil in each module, give it a light top-up now. When everything looks good, lightly water the entire modular tray.
- Allow the water to drain before bringing your onions inside to a warm, sunny location. You will not require a greenhouse; a windowsill will suffice.
- They will begin to grow. If you have the time, gently try to push away loose soil from the top of the onions to allow as much sunlight as possible to reach them. Hopefully, your onions will be ready to harvest in about 6 weeks.
