Are you still trying to figure out how to farm with ease? You can grow what you eat. Besides, every successful business owner started small and then grew gradually. Onions are an essential part of agriculture in Nigeria — it is quite a lucrative business to venture into, and it has contributed significantly to the economy of the country over the years.
Onions are always in demand because they are very relevant in our meals, either as a spice or vegetable. The two common types of onions in Nigeria are spring and bulb onions. The spring (green areas) is harvested before the bulb has a chance to grow at all; the bulb is the opposite – it is harvested first. The steps you need to take to grow onions at home are listed below:
1. Create a space in your backyard
The first step to growing onions at home is to make sure you have well drained soil at home– it could be sandy or loamy. The truth is, that onions can grow on any soil; it just has to be loose with a lot of nitrogen. The spot you’re choosing at home should not have any shade so it won’t be a hindrance for sunlight because onions need the sun for complete growth.
2. Plant the seeds
Some farmers are into selling onion seeds; find out and get from them. You can then subsequently originate yours too. Put the seeds into the soil and cover up. Onions are like companions; you can also cultivate other plants such as tomatoes, and carrots – basically, plants that would be beneficial to your onion crop. Even though onions can prevent pests, it does not mean they cannot be affected by them. Onion maggots are quite disturbing — just use parasitic nematodes.
3. Water your onions
Make sure you don’t deprive your onions of water — they need it. Water it regularly but if there is rain, it can be once a week. Note this: too much water (over watering) is not good for onions.
4. Fertilize and don’t cover
Fertilizer is very beneficial to the growth of onions because it can help it grow tasty, big and nice. You should use a nitrogen-based fertilizer because onions need a high source of it. Your first application at home should be about three weeks after planting, then subsequently, it can be two to three weeks. Don’t cover your planted onions because they would still emerge above the soil itself.
5. Harvest as soon as they mature
Don’t wait any longer after your onions get matured; if you do, they are likely to spoil. After pooling them from the ground; you must store them in a cool and dry place. You can as well place them in a rack for better ventilation and dry in the sun from time to time.
Note:
- Onions can take three to four months to mature.
- Short rains are good for onions.
- It is possible to grow onions throughout the year.
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