The onions are planted in the fall and remain in the ground over the winter.
As temperatures warm up again, they restart growing until they are harvested in spring or early summer.
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Benefits of Growing Onions in the Wintertime
Winter onions come with several perks.
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They have along growing seasonbut unlike onions planted in the spring, its mostlyhands-off time for the gardener.
Weed growth is slowing down, so there is little to no weeding to do.
In the fall, precipitation is usually more frequent and abundant, so you dont have to water.
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As temperatures drop, there are also fewer pests around that can attack the onions.
Winter onions are typically intermediate or long-day onions.
In a climate with milder winters, sow the seeds in the early fall.
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If you are using onion sets, you have about four more weeks to get them in the ground.
The planting instructions for winter onions are the same as foronions planted in the spring.
Right after planting, cover the area with about 12 inch ofmulch suitable for vegetable gardens.
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A snow cover provides excellent insulation for the plants.
In snow-less winters, have a supply of mulch and other materials for an extra layer of insulation ready.
Thetime of harvestdepends on the variety and the climate.
By April they are usually the size of scallions and by May, small bulbs have formed.
In early to mid-summer, the bulbs are fully grown and ready for harvesting.
Growing onions in a home garden.
University of Maryland Extension
Egyptian walking onions.
