We all know it. Spring HAS to be just around the corner.
If the soil is suitable for working, onion sets can be planted during March –early April. When planting onions, remember the smaller the bulb the bigger the onion. Also, the shallower the bulb is planted, the bigger the onion. So for scallions plant bulbs 4-6″ deep. Bottleneck onions are good for scallions. For large onions plant small sets 1-2″ deep. Onions need nitrogen; so fertilize with nitrate of soda or urea. If the onion bed has not been limed for several years, do so now. Onions prefer a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Rule of thumb for liming is 5 lbs per 100 sq ft.
As the weather begins to warm, be certain to keep onions well watered. Onions don’t produce a massive root system like tomatoes or peppers so they need to be watered more often when first planted. Stressing onions will produce double onions or smaller inferior bulbs.
As the March weather tends to become mild, sow some lettuce and spinach seed. However, once germinated they may need to be protected during frosty nights. Remay Cloth is good for this. Remay Cloth or germinating cloth is a must for early gardening. It is a white woven fabric that lets air and water pass through it while it lies on top of the plants. The cloth is laid on top of the plants and the sides are secured. Leave the cloth loose in the center so that the plants can bush it up as they grow. Remay cloth offers some frost protection, plus it increases the air and soil temperatures around plants for better spring growth. It also offers protection from rabbits, ground hogs, deer and insects. Remay Cloth can also be used for several years.
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