How to Grow Onions !                 How to Grow Onions  Onions Easy to grow with a long storage life. Onions are one of the best vegetables for the home gardener. They have the advantage of being a sensible proposition in both the large and small garden, and can be grown in the same position for several years. With a little planning, they can be available for nearly all year round eating.  The introduction of heat treated onion sets (small onion bulbs pre-started into growth before sale) now means that growing onions is almost fool-proof. Where To Grow Onions Onions prefer a a sunny position with a rich but light soil, however they will do well in most soils as long as it is firm. For this reason it is best to prepare the soil in advance of planting. Dig the soil to (12in) deep, working in any organic matter available - remove any stones in the soil that you come across during the digging. Just before planting, tread the soil down so that it is firm. Onions are ideal plants for growing in small confined spaces, they particularly thrive in raised beds. They are also good for keeping pets out of your garden so I suggest putting them on the outside of your garden vegetables. When To Plant Onions Onions should be treated differently according to their type. Each is described below. Maincrop onion seed and sets (small, part grown onion bulbs) should be sown outside starting in October.  Spring (or salad) onion seed should be sown at three week intervals from early Oct. to early Feb in Arizona. Plant and Sow Onion Seed and Sets  Caring for Onions Check that the onions are receiving a regular supply of rain water - watering may be required in dry periods up until several weeks before they are picked. From then on, do not provide any water, it may delay the maturing process. Weeding will also be necessary, because onion foliage provides no protection against weeds.  How to Harvest Onions Maincrop onions are ready for harvesting a week or two after the foliage starts to turn brown and shrivel up. On a sunny day, ease the onions roots from the soil with a fork and leave the onions to dry in the sun. When dry, remove the foliage at the top and store in a cool, dry and dark place - either in nets or boxes with newspaper to keep the onions separate. Onions with thicker necks should not be put into storage, because they will deteriorate quickly. Maincrop onions will keep for a couple of months or more in ideal conditions, but Japanese onions will only last a month. Spring or Salad onions should be harvested when about (18 inch) high and eaten within a day or so. Onion Pests and Diseases. Onion Fly This looks like a normal fly- It lays its eggs in the Spring on the neck of the onion, and the developing larvae will tunnel into the onion and destroy it. Hoe around the onions regularly to expose the eggs to the sunlight. The time of greatest risk is when you thin the onions-the flies are attracted by the scent. Growing from onion sets removes the need for thinning and the onions are unlikely to be attacked.  Onion Eelworms Eelworms are microscopic worms in the soil which cause the onions to distort and swell in size. There is really no effective chemical cure, and it will be necessary to stop growing onions in the patch of ground for three to four years. Send me your comments. Have you had success growing Onions? Have you saved your Bolted Onion Seeds ? Happy Gardening Roland in Phoenix Here is some Free Gardening Gifts for You ! Follow Us on Twitter                     Follow Us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin       Follow us on IBOToolBox Below    Happy Gardening Roland in Phoenix  4176 West Hearn Rd, , Phoenix, Az, USA tel: 602-89-8342 | email: Rolandd@cox.net | website: http://www.gogreeninarizona.org/Gardening.html