2013 Onion Growing Challenge

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Freddy, Oct 7, 2012.

  1. Vince

    Vince Not so well known for it.

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    No sign of the Kelsaes or Bedfordshire Champions' yet but the Long Red Florence have started germinating. :dbgrtmb:
     
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    • Freddy

      Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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      Blimey, that was quick. I'm gonna hold off sowing those LRF until late feb/early march.
       
    • Freddy

      Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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      Vince, what minimum temp are you trying to maintain?
       
    • Vince

      Vince Not so well known for it.

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      Trying to maintain minimum of 18c until the crook stage, then lower it to about 10c.
       
    • Vince

      Vince Not so well known for it.

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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Thanks for the link Vince, that answers a lot of my questions.

        I've had a good day outside, taking advantage of the mild weather. I've set up my grow-lights and heating cable in the greenhouse.
         
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        • Freddy

          Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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          My lowest night time temp was recorded at just over 10c:redface:
           
        • Scrungee

          Scrungee Well known for it

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          I'm sure I've read somewhere that if using lights you can (should?) up the temperature to achieve better growth.

          Lots of Ailsae showing, but only a few Kelsae (sown same day - 23/12/12) and no Mammoth Red. The spring onions behind are for early salads by the way, not growing into giants.

          onions 2013 jan1.jpg
           
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          • Freddy

            Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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            Hiya Scrunge.

            Thing is, that temperature is all my propagator can achieve at night, obviously dependent on the ambient temperature in my greenhouse.
             
          • Vince

            Vince Not so well known for it.

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            Bear in mind I'm talking about SOIL temperature of 18c for germination, easily achieved with a heated propagator.
             
          • Vince

            Vince Not so well known for it.

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            That makes sense Scrungee as you are effectively fooling the plants with longer "days" and warmer "weather".
             
          • Freddy

            Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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            Hiya Vince.

            I keep my max/min thermometer inside my propagator, so it should be fairly accurate, but I can't say for sure what the actual soil temperature is:dunno:
             
          • Scrungee

            Scrungee Well known for it

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            Don't you use propagator soil thermometers, and/or electronic max/min thermometers which can have the additional sensors recording soil temps, outside temps, top shelf temps, etc. ?

            thermometers.jpg

            I got those Timex TX5170 thermometers from Milton Ernest Garden Centre near Bedford for £12 each less £5 off £20 spend vouchers they were handing out instore, so a much better price than online + P&P http://www.google.co.uk/#q=timex+tx...674c8600ca2fd4&bpcl=40096503&biw=1093&bih=434
             
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            • Vince

              Vince Not so well known for it.

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              I use a cheap as chips catering thermometer (probe type) for measuring soil temperature, you can pick them up for about £5 or less!
               
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              • Freddy

                Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                Hiya Scrunge, just ordered one from Amazon @£12.75. Looks like a useful tool, thanks for the tip:blue thumb:
                 
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