Onions are a kitchen staple that can be grown even more effectively using the Chinese method of planting on ridges. This simple and efficient technique yields superior quality onions. If you’re interested in growing onions with ease, here’s a detailed guide on implementing this method in your own garden.

Understanding the Ridge Planting Method

In this method, onions are not planted in flat soil, but in ridges or earthen ramparts created with a hoe. These ridges are separated by shallow ditches. This approach offers several benefits, including faster weight gain in the fruits, increased sunlight exposure, improved plant immunity, easier maintenance, and protection from onion flies.

Preparation and Planting

To get started, plant your onions in the spring when the ground warms up to the range of +5 to +10°C, usually by the end of April. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter 6-8 inches deep. Aim for a well-drained soil environment with a pH of 6.0-7.0. You can add fertilizers like superphosphate, dolomite flour, or nitroammophoska to enhance the soil’s fertility.

Select bulbs that are about 15 mm in diameter. Warm them up for 14 days prior to planting, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 40°C. Next, create ridges that are 15 cm high and spaced 30 cm apart. Plant the seedlings 3 cm deep and cover them with loose soil. Remember to water them immediately after planting.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure healthy growth, maintain consistent soil moisture by watering the onions about 1 inch per week. Adjust the watering schedule based on soil conditions and weather. Fertilize the onions three times during the growing season. Use urea in mid-May, potash fertilization in June, and diluted superphosphate when the heads start forming. Regularly weed and loosen the soil around the ridges to keep them healthy.

Harvesting

To determine when it’s time to harvest your onions, stop watering them about a month before and wait until late summer or early September. Bend over the tops of the onions when ¼ of the leaves have yellowed. After a few days, pull the bulbs and let them dry in the garden, covered by the foliage, for up to a week. Then, move them to a warm, dry place with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks to cure.

Additional Tips

• Spacing: Leave 2 to 4 inches of space between onions, with at least 18 inches between rows. The spacing may vary slightly depending on the onion variety.
• Planting Depth: Make sure to plant the sets or transplants slightly above the ground level.
• Pest Control: Protect your onions from onion root maggots by covering them with floating row covers or using diatomaceous earth.

The Chinese method of planting onions on ridges is a tried and tested technique that ensures larger, healthier onions with better storage capacity. This low-effort method is a great way to maximize your onion yield and enjoy the rewards of your labor throughout the year. So why not give it a try in your own garden?