ONIONS

Te Ao Hou, September 1960, Page 57

ONIONS The best onion soil is a deep rich loam of a somewhat sandy nature in which is worked ample quantities of lime and bonedust. The onion will succeed year after year in the same piece of land, especially if the soil is well prepared at the begining. First of all, the ground must be well drained and deeply dug. It must be kept reasonably moist and the crop weeded and cultivated regularly. At planting time, stretch a line where the rows are to be planted. These should be about fifteen inches apart. In the actual work of transplanting, care must be taken to insert only the roots in the soil. To bury any portion of the stem results in thick necks and delayed ripening. Should the plants not stand upright, this will not matter. They will do so in a few days. When onions are thoroughly ripened, pull and store in an airy shed for winter use. 1,000 plants should be ample for all needs.