On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Talk About The Basics Of Growing Onions On Your Homestead.

The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 186 – January 26, 2023

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Growing Onions on the Homestead: A Guide for Successful Harvests

In this beginner’s guide, hosts Harold Thornbro and Rachel Jamison share their insights on onion cultivation, focusing on seed starting and other essential tips.

Why You Should Grow Onions

• Health Benefits- Health Benefits of Onions: Onions are known for their health-promoting properties, including cancer prevention.
• Culinary Benefits-spicy, sweet, flavoring: Onions add flavor to various dishes, making them a kitchen staple.
• Companion Planting Benefits- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/onion-companion-planting-guide: Onions are excellent for companion planting, helping to deter pests.

Onion Types

• Long Day Onions-
  • Initiate bulb formation at 14–16 hours of daylight
  • Zone 6 and colder
  • Usually planted in late winter to early spring
  • Map & Key Features of Short-, Intermediate- & Long-Day Onions 
• Day Neutral Onions
  • Initiate bulb formation at 12–14 hours of daylight
  • Produce best in Zones 5 and 6
• Short Day Onions
  • Initiate bulb formation at 10–12 hours of daylight
  • Require mild winter climates (Zone 7 and warmer)
  • Usually planted in fall and mature in late spring.
• Perennial Onions
  • How to Grow Scallions, Chives and Egyptian Walking Onions for a Perpetual Harvest 
  • Scallions
  • Chives
  • Walking Onions

3 Ways To Plant Biennial Onions

• From Seed: Offers self-sufficiency and a wider variety of options.
• Using Sets (Bulbs): Easier and quicker, suitable for many gardeners.
• Using Starts (Seedlings): Combines the benefits of seeds and sets, ideal for intermediate gardeners.

Planting Onions From Seed

Benefits Of Growing Onions From Seed

• Self-Sufficiency
• Cost

Disadvantages Of Growing Onions From Seed

• Takes More Time
• A Little More Work

When To Plant Onion Seeds

• 10-12 weeks before the average last frost date in your zone

How To Plant Onion Seed

• Equipment – Shop at Bootstrap Farmer for heavy-duty seed trays
• Proper Soil

Planting The Seeds – Grow Onion – Seed Savers Exchange.

• How To Care For Planted Seeds and Seedlings
• Hardening Off Onion Seedlings
• Transplanting Onion Seedlings
• Caring For Young Onion Seedlings In Your Garden

Planting Onion Sets

• Advantages Of Planting Sets
• Disadvantages Of Planting Sets
• When To Plant Sets

Planting Onion Starts

• Advantages Of Planting Starts
• Disadvantages Of Planting Starts
• When To Plant Starts

Saving Onion Seeds

• Letting Some Of Your Onions Go To Seed
• Harvesting The Onion Seeds
• Storing Onion Seeds

Harvesting Onions

• When to Harvest: Once the tops die back and fall over.
• Drying and Curing: Essential for long-term storage, can be done by hanging or using mesh bags.
• Saving Seeds: Biennial process, but can be annual in certain climates. Harvest seeds from dried flower heads.

Storing Onions

• Braiding
• Nylons
• Twisting
• Drying Onions
• Freezing 

Conclusion

Growing onions on your homestead can be a rewarding experience, offering both culinary and health benefits. With proper planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this versatile vegetable.

This Week’s Recommended Books

• Harold’s Pick – The Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing – https://amzn.to/3H2FUzO 
• Rachel’s Pick – Ten Acres Enough by Edmund Morris – https://amzn.to/3ZWQl0v

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