Have you ever wanted to grow your own green onions, but lack the space or garden soil? Well, here’s some good news for you: it’s not only possible, but also incredibly convenient! With just a few simple materials and a clever hydroponic system, you can enjoy a continuous supply of crisp, flavorful green onions right at your fingertips. Plus, you can harvest them every two weeks for up to six months! Let’s dive into how it works.

What You’ll Need

To get started, here’s what you’ll need:

• Empty and cleaned 5-liter plastic bottles
• A plastic tray that fits inside the bottle at the surface
• Red or yellow onion bulbs with the tops cut off
• A rope
• Plastic wrap
• Water

Creating the Hydroponic System

Step 1: Prepare the Bottles

Start by cutting the 5-liter plastic bottles in half horizontally, keeping the top portion. The bottom half will serve as a water reservoir, while the top half will house the growing green onions.

Step 2: Prepare the Tray

Place the plastic tray inside the top half of the bottle, ensuring it fits snugly. To allow water to pass through, drill or cut many large holes in the tray. This will ensure proper water circulation.

Step 3: Rope Setup

Lay the rope all over the tray and thread it through the holes. Make sure the rope reaches into the water inside the bottle. The rope will act as a wick, transporting water to the onions’ roots.

Step 4: Onion Preparation

Take red or yellow onions and cut off the tops. Remove any dead roots, leaving the bottom of the bulb clean for new roots to grow. These prepared onions will be placed on the tray.

Step 5: Planting

Fill the tray with the prepared onions, ensuring that each onion’s root part comes into contact with the rope. Distribute the onions evenly, covering the entire surface of the tray.

Step 6: Create a Greenhouse

Cover the top of the bottle with plastic wrap. This will create a greenhouse effect, providing a controlled environment that helps the onions grow faster. Keep the plastic wrap in place until the onions begin to sprout.

Step 7: Maintenance

Keep the water reservoir in the bottom half of the bottle filled with water. The rope will draw up the water to nourish the onions’ roots. Ensure that the water level remains consistent to support healthy growth.

Harvesting Your Green Onions

Within approximately 14 weeks, your green onions will be ready to harvest. Gently cut off the green leaves as needed, leaving the bulb and roots intact. The onions will continue to grow, allowing you to enjoy multiple harvests over the course of several months.

An Accessible and Sustainable Gardening Method

Growing green onions without traditional garden soil is not only possible but also sustainable. By repurposing plastic bottles and using a simple hydroponic system, you can have a continuous supply of fresh green onions throughout the year. This innovative approach not only saves space but also reduces waste, making it an environmentally friendly way to cultivate these delicious and versatile herbs. So why not give it a try and enjoy the convenience of harvesting green onions every two weeks for up to six months?