First time growing onions - are the stems supposed to look like this?

[oregonkat]

Last time we did a soil test for the garden was about 3 years ago and it ranged from 7.0 to 7.5 approx. with samples taken from several different spots. However, the beds have been amended yearly with compost, lots of it, so I would have thought that the ph would have gone down if anything. So, in answer to your question, really, it's time to do another test. Too alkaline for onions, yes?

 

[lazy gardener]

Here's results from quick google search:

Onions and Soil pH. Onions, like most veggies, grow best in slightly acidic soil. Ideally, soil for onionsshould have a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5, according to the National Gardening Association. At the high end of this range, soil nutrients are most easily accessed.

I was going to venture a guess that onion preference would be 6.5! How good am I????!!! I'm modest too!

 

[oregonkat]

Here's results from quick google search:

Onions and Soil pH. Onions, like most veggies, grow best in slightly acidic soil. Ideally, soil for onionsshould have a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5, according to the National Gardening Association. At the high end of this range, soil nutrients are most easily accessed.

I was going to venture a guess that onion preference would be 6.5! How good am I????!!! I'm modest too!

Yup, you are that good!! So now what genius, huh, huh, now what??? I'll do another test and get back to you, how about that?

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm not such a genius. Ask me when was the last time I did a soil test??? How bout maybe 2 times in 35 years of gardening. In spite of the fact that I have a brand new soil test kit that has never been used????

 

[Ladybluearm]

They are fine. My husband grows onions every year,sometimes the wind will knock over the stems but they will stand back up. No need to trim them. He just pulled all his onions this weekend.

 

[lazy gardener]

So, for all of you onion growers who start your own seed, and then transplant those seedlings to the garden, do you trim the tops back to 3" like all the "instructions" say to do? Some how, that seems to be counter-intuitive to me. I should have done a control group, but I left them all long.

 

[drewskimac]

I grow lots and lots of garlic every year, great, big fat bulbs. I cannot get my onions to bulb up to save myself. I have planted them from every conceivable method. Sets, seeds, starts and they do not bulb. I will get nice tops but no bulb. What is my soil missing? I amend with huge amounts of compost, till in alfalfa for extra nitrogen and fertilize with an organic fertilizer. Any ideas welcome. Everything else in my garden thrives, including the chives!!

How deep are you planting them? And are you making sure that you're planting the right variety for your zone?
Both planting too deep and planting the wrong variety for your zone will result in lots of green growth but no bulb enlargments.

 

[oregonkat]

So, for all of you onion growers who start your own seed, and then transplant those seedlings to the garden, do you trim the tops back to 3" like all the "instructions" say to do? Some how, that seems to be counter-intuitive to me. I should have done a control group, but I left them all long.

When I did mine from seed I did not trim the tops, but I was unsuccessful with the onions anyway so I cant say if it made a difference. Less than helpful, I know!

How deep are you planting them? And are you making sure that you're planting the right variety for your zone?
Both planting too deep and planting the wrong variety for your zone will result in lots of green growth but no bulb enlargments.

Both good points, but yes, each time I have tried, the varieties have been meant for my climate and they are planted no deeper than the first knuckle on my finger. I am doing a little, and I mean little (20 plants) test right now. I designated a small piece of a bed as the 'onion testing' ground and I doused the soil with diluted vinegar, at the recommendation of someone online, to lower the ph. By now, I'll try just about anything!! The thing that I really dont get, is the fact that my garlic grows like a champion every single year. I always heard that if you can grow garlic, you can grow onions. Not so!

 

[lazy gardener]

I also grow wonderful garlic. And I had a decent crop of onions last year. First ever. I saw to it that they got watered often! I can not grow decent carrots, while my parsnips are at least 12" long and grow up to 4" wide at the shoulders. Beets are a hit or miss crop for me.

 

[oregonkat]

I also grow wonderful garlic. And I had a decent crop of onions last year. First ever. I saw to it that they got watered often! I can not grow decent carrots, while my parsnips are at least 12" long and grow up to 4" wide at the shoulders. Beets are a hit or miss crop for me.

I have upped the watering schedule in the garden as my tomato and pepper plants that I just put in are significantly larger than they usually are when I plant (I started my seeds earlier this year) so I considered that they were going to need more water to start with. I wonder if the increased water at the beginning of the season will impact the onions later on? Hmmm now there's a thought!!
My carrots generally are OK, I have not found a variety yet that I absolutely love. The flavors have been nice, but not wonderful. I don't grow beets usually because my kids don't eat them (foolish boys!) but my hubby and I love them.