1. **Choose Your Onion Type**: Decide on the variety based on your climate and culinary preferences. Short-day onions thrive in southern regions, while long-day onions are best for northern areas.
2. **Prepare the Soil**: Onions prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
3. **Planting**: Plant onion sets or seeds in early spring for summer harvesting. Space them 4-6 inches apart in rows about 12 inches apart. If using transplants, ensure they are planted at the same depth they were growing before.
4. **Watering**: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of diseases.
5. **Fertilizing**: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth, applying it every few weeks during the growing season.
6. **Weeding**: Regularly weed around your onion plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
7. **Harvesting**: Onions are ready to harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over. Pull them out gently, and allow them to cure in a dry, sunny spot for a few days.
**Start your onion-growing journey today and enjoy the flavors of homegrown produce!
