Spring is sprung when the onions come - Garden NZ: Gardening New Zealand - Home garden, gardening, garden, flower, roses, tree, plant, nursery, herbs
A+ | A- | Reset

It's time to plant Tomatoes

images/stories/2010/plants/tomato/tomato1.jpg
On your marks &ndash get set &ndash go! It's time to plant Tomatoes  Labour weekend ...
READ MORE

Garden Post

beautybible

Address:
155 Avenue West
Tauranga


Phone: 07 928 4515


Win! Daltons Premium tree planting pack

images/stories/2010/daltonspremiumtreeplantingpack.jpg
Some people just wouldn't be-leaf you when told how easy it can be to ...
READ MORE
Home arrow Home
Spring is sprung when the onions come
Thursday, 08 September 2011
< Prev   Next >
Bookmark and Share

spring-onions-2.jpgAlso known as scallions, spring onions take their name from the season in which they should be harvested. However, in most parts of New Zealand they can be grown year-round, so there’s no time like the present to get these seasonal favourites into the ground, ready for the table next year.

How, where and when to plant

Spring onions prefer free draining soil broken down to a fine seedbed. Dig through a little compost a few days before planting.

Even if the last frost is yet to pass in your area, spring onions can still be planted as they are able to withstand quite low temperatures.

Look to plant seeds in a sunny corner of your garden or window box. Seeds should be sown a few centimetres down and approximately 10cms apart, giving them plenty of room in which to grow.

Care

A little water and a little weeding are all that are needed to ensure a plentiful crop. Water enough to keep the onions damp, but do not drench them as they grow.

Feed with a general garden fertiliser or an organic vegetable fertiliser when planting; repeat every few weeks.

Harvest

Within 18-20 weeks of planting, depending on climate, your spring onions should be ready for harvest. A relatively painless process for all concerned, picking spring onions can be achieved with a gentle tug.

Wash thoroughly and… enjoy!

Spring onions bring a fresh texture and taste to any table, and can feature in a wide range of dishes.


Comments (1)add
Cherry protection
written by greyhackle , September 23, 2011
With regard to Cherry crops, as soon as colour shows on my fruit the birds are at them.

Got the perfect solution and that is wrap the branch with a sleeve of newspaper and staple it in place. Twist to set stapled edge to bottom of branch.

The cherries will ripen perfectly, and there is no rot or damage to the leaves.

This cover makes a semi shaded grow house for the fruit, and the birds don't get a look in.Ripening is a bit later, so check that the fruit sugars are up and they are juicy and sweet.

Rain does not affect the paper wrap, but hardens it when dry. My perfect but unsightly answer to the birds. They don't like the paper one bit and keep away.
Login to write comments. Please register if you do not have an account yet.

busy
 

49,195

GARDEN LOVERS



Advertisement

I'd love to say I'm feeling jolly but the first 'head going to the chest' cold of the season has struck with a vengeance and ...

Photo

Photo of the week

Rapaura Watergardens

Advertisement

TwitterFacebook

Advertisement