First, the onion accumulates useful substances in the feathers, and during this period it requires nitrogen. Later, nutrition goes to the head: nitrogen becomes unnecessary, and phosphorus and potassium come to the fore. If you overfeed onions with nitrogen, the greens will be huge, but the onion will be small and will not last well.
That's why in June, onions are fertilized twice – then the heads grow large and healthy.
Remember! You cannot pick the feathers of an onion that grows like a turnip. The plant will spend energy on new greenery, and the bulb will remain small. For greens, it is better to plant separate varieties.
Onions have weak roots, so they respond best to liquid fertilizing in moist soil. Do not make too concentrated solutions. Onions love organic matter: infusion of mullein, chicken droppings, herbs and ash.
In dry weather, the beds need to be watered. And to prevent moisture from evaporating, the soil is mulched with straw.
First feeding (7–8 leaves)
Options:
- Urea or saltpeter (20–30 g per 10 liters of water) – if the onion is pale and grows slowly.
- Herbal infusion (dilute 1:10). To absorb minerals add 1 tbsp. spoon of citric acid per 10 liters.
- Complex fertilizer (NPK 20:20:20 or nitroammophoska 20 g per 10 l). Chlorine is harmful, it is better to take formulations “For onions and garlic”.
Alternate root and foliar feeding (halve the concentration). Humates improve nutrition. Chicken manure infusion (1:20) is a great option.
Second feeding (after 10–14 days)
Options:
- Diammofoska – 2 tbsp. spoons per 10 liters of water (bucket per 1 m2).
- Mixture: 1 tbsp. spoon of potassium sulfate + 2 tbsp. spoons of double superphosphate per 10 liters of water – water in the same way.
Author's recipe of the Zen channel “From the garden to the table” (12+).
For both dressings: pour boiling water over 1 liter of ash, add water to 20 liters, add 1 liter of herbal infusion and 10 g of boric acid (diluted in hot water).
“I leave it to brew until the evening, and in the evening I fertilize the beds, generously watering the onions, constantly stirring the ash solution. To enhance the effect of the infusion, you can add 2 tablespoons of citric acid (per 20 liters of water), which will help the minerals be absorbed by the plants,” the author shares.
Read also what to add to the soil of peppers for explosive growth.
