Onions

How to Transplant Onion Starts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transplanting onion starts is a vital skill for gardeners aiming to grow healthy, productive onions. This guide will take you through every step, from hardening off your starts to planting, caring for, and even preparing your onions for long-term storage. By following these methods, you’ll enjoy a rewarding harvest and extend the life of your onions.

Hardening Off Onion Starts

Before planting, onion starts need to be gradually adjusted to outdoor conditions. This process, known as hardening off, ensures that your onions thrive once transplanted. Follow these steps for success:

1. Introduce slowly: Start by placing onion starts outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight.
2. Monitor temperatures: Bring the starts indoors at night if temperatures fall below 40°F to protect them from cold damage.
3. Continue care: While hardening off, keep your onions watered and trimmed to a height of 5–6 inches.

This process prevents transplant shock and prepares your onion starts for optimal growth in the garden.

Planting Onion Starts

Onions are hardy plants and can be transplanted about two weeks before your average last frost date. Here’s how to plant them correctly:

1. Trim and separate roots: Gently remove your onion starts from their container. Dunk them in water and swish to remove excess soil, making it easier to untangle their roots.
2. Dig planting holes: Create deep holes to accommodate the roots, spacing the onions about 6 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart.
3. Shallow planting: Place the onion so that the roots are buried, but the bulb sits just on top of the soil. Press the soil down firmly to secure the plant.
4. Water thoroughly: After planting, water your onions to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

Proper planting techniques help onions establish strong roots and prepare them for healthy growth.

Caring for Onion Plants

Once your onions are in the ground, care for them with these simple steps:

• Watering: Onions need at least 1 inch of water per week. Adjust based on rainfall in your area.
• Weeding: Keep the rows weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-5-5, to encourage growth during the early stages.

Onions are relatively low-maintenance, but consistent care ensures a successful harvest.

Harvesting, Curing, and Storing Onions

When the tops of your onions begin to flop over, they are signaling that they are ready for harvest. Here’s how to handle the process:

1. Slow or bulk harvest: Either allow the onions to flop naturally for a staggered harvest or manually bend the tops to harvest them all at once.
2. Curing onions: Lay onions in a well-ventilated, shaded area to dry for 3–4 weeks. Ensure they aren’t exposed to rain or direct sunlight.
3. Prepare for storage: Trim the roots and tops once fully dry. Rub off excess dirt, but leave the papery skins intact to protect the bulbs.
4. Store properly: Keep onions in a dark, dry, and cool location. Cardboard boxes, breathable crates, or wire baskets work well for long-term storage.

Proper curing and storage will keep your onions fresh until the next growing season.

Why Transplanting Onions Matters

Transplanting onion starts correctly ensures strong root systems and healthy bulb development. By hardening off your starts, planting them shallowly, and caring for them consistently, you can achieve a productive onion crop. With proper harvesting and storage techniques, you’ll enjoy your homegrown onions for months to come.

Conclusion

Transplanting onion starts doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can grow a bountiful harvest and enjoy the satisfaction of never having to buy onions again. For more tips and tutorials, explore our Grow Wise Video Library. Get started today and see how rewarding onion gardening can be!