2013 Onion Growing Challenge

Huge worms, has to be a good sign! I just get piddly things in my plot...

 

I've been reading about trimming Onion seedlings....said to promote strong roots and bigger bulbs...has anyone else done this? shall i ,shan't i what do you think

 

Hi loli.

I know it's something that is recommended for Leeks, but I've not heard of doing it to Onions. Maybe someone can advise...

 

I wouldn't!! Leeks have flat leaves so to cut them should be no problem, but Onions have hollow leaves, so to cut them risks the potential for something nasty getting into them!

In fact the flat / hollow is a sure fire way to know the difference in the plants if you lose the labels.

 

Roots or leaves?

I sometimes trim onion roots when transplanting BUT never the leaves, the base of the leaves form the bulb!

 

The leaves Vince....it said they could be trimmed down to 3inches daren't risk it untill i asked for advice.....i might try it on one of my spares.....but not my 'prize' winning ones

 

Just do it in a sterile environment! NO, just don't do it, asking for infection and reduced photosynthesis?

 

Good morning chums

Right, it looks like my Onions will soon be too tall for the propagator, probably ok for another week, not much more. Any ideas?

 

Depends upon what you mean by too tall!

You could always raise the propagator lid with timber laths plant pots or similar.

This will still give them bottom heat, better ventilation and still give them a fair degree of protection!

 

Hiya Tee Gee.

"Too tall" means they are nearly touching the propagator cover, which incidentally, is made of plastic (like polythene).

My propagator is in my unheated greenhouse, which, if I only had onions in there, wouldn't be a problem. Thing is, I also have some Canna's in there. I guess this just highlights the problems of trying to grow everything in the same conditions...

 

I still think my suggestion would work for both types of plants as ambient heat is not as critical as bottom heat.

Another thought is raise the lid as I suggested then if the weather gets decidedly cold sling a couple of layers of fleece over the propagator. This can be placed or removed as conditions dictate!

Yes I know what you mean about growing lots of stuff in the same conditions, I have fifteen standard trays filled with seeds germinating and others with pricked out seedlings on my hot bed and it does require a bit of juggling!

 

Hiya Tee Gee.

It's not really practical to raise the lid, because it's not really a lid, more a cover. Thing is, I have my lighting directly over the top. If I raise the cover, I have to raise the lighting. I raise the lighting, and the onions get less light. They get less light, they get drawn. See where this is going? If as you say, the Canna's don't need much heat, might be just as well to remove the cover completely?