Ohio is a marvelous location for growing onions , but knowing when to set onions in Ohio is essential to maximize the yield and quality of the crop . The state ’s unequaled growing conditions , such as temperature fluctuations , soil composing , and rainfall patterns , make timing critical when it comes to Allium cepa cultivation .
We ’ll explore the good time to implant onion in Ohio , offering worthful direction and tip to help gardener achieve optimal result . We ’ll also play up the benefits of growing onions in Ohio , as well as the possible pitfall that can arise if you do n’t select the correct metre for planting . Whether you ’re a veteran nurseryman or new to onion culture , interpret on to learn how to make the most of your Ohio onion crop .
Good Onion Varieties to Grow in Ohio
onion are a popular vegetable crop among gardeners in Ohio due to their versatility in the kitchen and the ease with which they can be grow . There are legion miscellanea of onions , each with its unique characteristic and use .
Here are some of the more popular onion mixed bag that gardeners care to grow :
Overall , each Allium cepa form has its unique flavor visibility and culinary function , making them a popular and various harvest for gardeners .
When to Plant Onions in Ohio
onion are a coolheaded - time of year crop that can be planted in the spring as soon as the soil can be puzzle out . The precise planting clock time will vary depending on your localization and clime , but mostly , onions should be planted about 2 - 4 weeks before the last expect hoarfrost date in your area . The near planting date for onions in Ohio is April 7th .
Before planting onion , it ’s essential to cook the soil by tease it to a depth of 4 - 6 inch and incorporating compost or well - rot manure . Onions opt well - draining soil with a pH between 6.0 - 7.0 .
To engraft onion solidifying , which are small onion bulbs , make a furrow about 1 inch deep , implant the solidifying 4 - 6 column inch asunder , and cover them with soil . For onion seeds , sow them about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart , and cover them with dirt . pee the soil thoroughly after implant , and keep the stain moist until the seedling issue .
Onions grow intimately in full sun and require consistent moisture to get quality bulbs . They also benefit from even fertilization throughout the uprise season . Weed control is essential , so keep the area around the plants barren of weeds .
In termination , onions should be planted in the spring , 2 - 4 week before the last expected rime date in your area . educate the soil , plant the set or seeds , pee the well , and keep the area free of weeds . With right care , you may love a bountiful harvest home of scrumptious onions in the summer and evenfall .
Planting Onions From Seed
Onions can be maturate from seed , but it takes longer than planting Allium cepa sets or start . It ’s commend to embed onion starts rather than seeds because onion plant seeds take a longer time to germinate and originate , and the plants may not mature as uniformly as onion plant set .
However , planting onions from seed can be a good option if you require to grow a specific diverseness that is n’t available as lot or starting signal . Planting onion seeds can also be more monetary value - effective than buy sets or starts .
If you resolve to plant onion from seed , you should start the ejaculate indoors 8 - 10 workweek before the last expect Robert Frost date in your area . In Ohio , your final frost day of the month in the springiness is :
Additional Resource : Find Your Ohio Hardiness Zone
To start Allium cepa seed indoors , satiate seed trays with a adept quality come - start mixture , and sprinkle the seeds on top of the grunge . Cover the come with a thin stratum of soil , water the tray , and keep it in a warm , bright location . Onion seeded player necessitate a consistent temperature of 65 - 75 ° F to germinate , so you may need to use a heat Master of Arts in Teaching or produce light to maintain the right circumstance .
After the seeds have germinated , thin the seedling to about 1 in apart , and continue to originate them indoors until they are great enough to transfer outside . Harden off the seedling by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week before transfer them into the garden .
When to Harvest Onions in Ohio
onion are ready to reap when the leaf bulge out to turn yellow and hang over . This typically happens in late summer or other fall , about 100 - 120 day after planting , depending on the variety and grow conditions .
To verify if the onions are ready for crop , gently push back the soil around the base of the onion plant bulb to see if they have developed into mature bulbs . If the bulb are of the desired size , you could start to reap them .
To glean Allium cepa , use a garden branching or shovel to carefully lift the electric-light bulb out of the soil . Gently loosen the dirt around the bulb to avoid damaging them . Once the bulb are out of the dirt , leave alone them on the ground for a day or two to dry out out and cure in the Dominicus . This will help to toughen the skin and prolong the storage life of the onions .
After the Allium cepa have dry and bring around for a day or two , cut off the stems and roots to about 1 inch from the light bulb . you’re able to then store the onions in a coolheaded , dry place , such as a garage or cellar , with ripe air travel circulation . attend them in mesh bag or tying them in braids is also a just way to salt away onion .
Onions should be salt away in a position with a temperature between 32 - 40 ° F and with down humidity . Avoid store onion near Solanum tuberosum or other fruits and vegetable that get ethylene gas , which can cause onions to spoil more quickly .
