Summary
How to properly plant the onion? How to make the onion fat? Tips for properly preserving onion
A nugget of the vegetable garden, the onion takes up little space and keeps for a long time. This aromatic is the mainstay of many cuisines around the world. Also used for its medicinal properties orally or in poultice, it is a source of minerals and vitamins. Let’s see how to optimize your harvest of this precious bulb in the garden.
How to properly plant the onion?
Onion can be sown as seeds in open ground or transplanted seedlings in spring for harvest in summer. It adapts to all types of soil but prefers light and well-drained soil. Be careful, the onion has two enemies: the cold (no temperatures below 10 ° C) and the humidity that makes it rot. It must therefore be exposed to full sun to grow well and not be overwatered. You can also boost it with a little green manure such as compost or potash. It is also necessary to be wary of late blight and fly that can destroy a plantation in a few weeks. In organic vegetable gardens, do not hesitate to hoe and weed to avoid attacks and to use nettle in leaves or manure. Also know that onion likes the company of garlic, carrot or spinach, which can help repel pests but does not mix well with some vegetables such as cabbage, beans and peas that concentrate the soil in nitrogen.
How to make the onion fat?
When onions grow well and are almost ripe, they can be given a little boost so that they flourish and reach a beautiful caliber. PEtite tipped gardener savvy for big onions: Flatten the stems of the onions without breaking them to better let the bulb benefit from the flow of nutrients and remove a little soil around the bulb to promote its expansion. Thanks to these 2 simple gestures you will get superb fleshy onions.
Tips for properly preserving onion
The onion must absolutely be harvested in dry weather so as not to store moisture. It is picked up when the foliage is yellow and dry. The small white onion is early and is the first to mature and is eaten Fresh from spring. As for yellow and red, it will be necessary to wait until July and August.
It is important to remove the onion gently with a fork-spade so as not to injure the bulbs, as addicts promote the appearance of mold and rot.
Now is the time to wipe the onion, that is, to let it dry for a few days in the sun after harvest, before storing it. To take full advantage of its flavor and benefits and optimize its conservation, here are some guidelines to follow:
- After drying, cut the stems with a knife.
- Sort the onions and keep those that are firm to the touch.
- Place them in a container that allows air to circulate such as crates or shelves.
- Store in a dry, ventilated area away from intense light.
- Check the crop regularly to be sure there are no signs of rotting, remove any damaged onion so that it does not contaminate others.
That’s it, after gardening well, all you have to do now is get into the kitchen. You have 6 months in front of you to make it come back, caramelize or confire and simmer good dishes. Enjoy the fruit of your labor even if it’s a safe bet that you will shed a few tears…
