HOW TO SOW ONIONS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 354, 15 October 1932, Page 3

HOW TO SOW ONIONS

The soil for onions should have been manured during the autumn or winter, and can further be improved by the addition of an artificial fertiliser — three pounds of superphosphate and one pound of sulphate of potash applied now per square rod, and one pound of nitrate of soda applied during growth. At the time of sowing the ground should be fine ,and dry, raked level and smooth, and if.it is at all loose, trodden rather firm, or else a light roller should he run over it. When the bed is ready shallow drills should be made alongside a line, tightly stretched. These should be from nine to twelve inches apart (the greater distance for preference, if space permits), and not more than two-thirds of an inch deep. They may be made very effectively by gentle pressure on a straight round rod land alongside the line. 'It is a great advantage to leave the drills exposed to the warming influence of the sun's rays for some hours before sowing the seed. To obtain good, well-formed and sound onions, sow near the surface and as thinly as possible. Cover the seeds with fmely-sifted soil, smooth with the rake, and firm down with the back of the spade.