2013 Onion Growing Challenge

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

 

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

 

Vince, what minimum temp are you trying to maintain?

 

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

 

For all you Kelsae growers, I hope this link works:

http://www.johnsons-trade.com/uploads/resources/20_wwj11-kelsae-flyer-v2.pdf

 

My lowest night time temp was recorded at just over 10c

 

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.

 

Hiya Scrunge.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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. ?



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

 

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

 

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