OUTSIZES IN ONIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 June 1938, Page 10

OUTSIZES IN ONIONS

LARGE BULBS NEED RICH DIET. The large onion holds pride of place at many flower, shows and there is usually much competition for the heaviest specimen. Size, however, is not always a criterion of quality, but so long as there are shows, the growing of large specimens of vegetables will be attractive. The onion, however, is a. far greater test of skill than many other vegetables. A good strain of seed is of the first importance, and the young plants should by now be well on the way. It is high time to be making a start with the plot of ground intended for the crop. The preparation must be thorough, and trenching is the best method, because

the onion is a deep rooting plant. The ground should be generously manured, as large fat bulbs of two to three pounds in weight can only be produced on a rich diet. Dig the ground therefore, to a depth of 21 to 3 feet, the subsoil being well broken up and a good layer of farm manure, or material from the garden compost heap, well distributed in the lower spit. The top surface should be left rough at this season, the rougher the better. Frost, air and rain will help to break up the large lumps, and by planting time the soil should work down to a fine tilth, much more friable than if the surface were levelled at the time of trenching. On heavy clay land, a sprinkling of fresh lime after trenching is a great help in breaking and separating the soil particles and making the soil friable. Spread the lime on the surface after digging, to be washed in by winter rains.

Do not attempt to work the soil any more during the winter, but with the first dry spell in early spring, fork over the surface and work in a sprinkling of bonemeal and wood ash. A week before planting, a further forking over, after dusting the surface with old soot, will bring the ground into suitable condition for planting. After planting, the principal work will be the frequent use of the hoe between the rows. Few amateur growers will be in a position to mulch their onions with well decayed animal manures, but if it is possible the work will be well repaid. Quite good results, however, will be obtained by an occasional dusting with old soot, and a sprinkling of sulphate of ammonia at once ounce to the square yard.