Onions, a staple in many kitchens, can be grown more efficiently using the Chinese ridge planting method. This technique, often referred to as the “lazy” method, is prized for its simplicity and the superior quality of the onions it produces. Here’s a detailed guide on how to implement this method in your garden.
onion planting on a ridge
- Understanding the ridge planting method:
The basics : In this method, onions are not sown in flat, even soil but in ridges or earthen ramparts made with a hoe. These ridges are separated by shallow ditches.
Benefits :
Faster weight gain in fruits.
Increased sun and light exposure.
Improving plant immunity and resistance to diseases and pests.
Easier maintenance: weeding and loosening the soil are simpler.
Protection against onion flies, especially during the pest breeding season.
- Preparation and planting:
Period : Start planting in spring when the soil warms up to between +5 and +10°C, usually at the end of April.
Soil Preparation : Prepare the soil by working in organic matter to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and ensuring a well-drained soil environment with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Add fertilizers such as superphosphate, dolomite meal, or nitroammophoska.
Bulb selection and preparation : Choose bulbs approximately 15 mm in diameter. Warm them 14 days before planting, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 40°C.
Creating ridges : Form ridges 15 cm high at a distance of 30 cm from each other.
Planting Process : Plant the seedlings 3 cm deep and cover them with soil, making sure to keep it loose. Water immediately after planting. - Maintenance and upkeep:
Watering : Ensure consistent soil moisture, watering about 1 inch per week. Adjust watering according to soil and weather conditions.
Fertilization : Fertilize three times during the growing season. Use a urea solution in mid-May, potassium fertilization in June, and water the beds with diluted superphosphate during the apple formation period.
Weeding and loosening : Regularly weed and loosen the soil around the ridges. - Harvest:
When to harvest : Stop watering about a month before harvest, usually in late summer or early September.
Harvesting Process : Fold the tops of the onions when ¼ of the leaves have turned yellow. After a few days, pull the bulbs and let them dry in the garden, covered by the foliage, for up to a week. Then, move them to a warm, dry place with good air circulation for 2 to 3 weeks to harden.
a basket of harvested onions - Additional tips:
Spacing : Space onions 2 to 4 inches apart, with at least 18 inches between rows. Spacing may vary slightly depending on the onion variety.
Planting Depth : Plant seedlings or plants so that the tops are slightly above the soil.
Pest Control : Cover onions with floating row covers or use diatomaceous earth to control onion rootworms.
The Chinese method of planting onions on ridges is a proven technique that ensures larger, healthier onions with better storage capacity. This method, requiring minimal effort, offers an excellent way to maximize your onion yield and enjoy the fruits of your labor all year round.