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Title: over wintering onions
Post by: STEVEB on March 08, 2009, 21:13:42

When is the time to feed them and what do you all use?

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: kt. on March 08, 2009, 22:58:26

I never feed my onions anything. Once they are in... they are left to fend for themselves. They have never filed me so far ;)

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: hopalong on March 08, 2009, 23:39:58

Agree with kt lawson. The only thing I'm doing with mine now is hoeing to keep the weeds under control and to disturb the soil around the onions to help drainage and prevent "soil capping".

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: elvis2003 on March 08, 2009, 23:50:49

ditto all the above,although am wondering what soil capping means lol

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: saddad on March 09, 2009, 07:47:21

Capping means when the very top layer (1cm) of the soil seals itself and makes a tough impermeable layer or cap. Worst on clay based soils, prevents small seedlings like carrots emerging and rain/nutrients through...
:)

I break the cap and rake in some growmore but not for a couple of weeks yet..

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: shirlton on March 09, 2009, 08:30:23

I just hoe around mine cos all the feed went in last year. I put all my broad bean haulms in the bottom of the spit and then top it with bonemeal and manure and leave it until I put the onions in. I am hoping that I have done enough to protect them against the dreaded alium moth

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: cornykev on March 09, 2009, 18:49:45

I just scattered a couple of handfuls of chicken pellets on them about three weeks ago, I will have to get the hoe on them as mine has started to cap. ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: shirlton on March 09, 2009, 18:54:36

Does anyone else have to protect their onions against leek moth or is it just me.

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: KathrynH on March 09, 2009, 22:00:42

I always give my over wintering onions a feed of fish, bone and blood in March, just sprinkle a handful around the base of them and gently hoe in. I did mine yesterday. They always seem to put on a growth spurt after that and I have had a fantastic crop the last couple of years.

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: saddad on March 09, 2009, 22:05:02

Touchwood... no problem with the moth yet... :)

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: PurpleHeather on March 10, 2009, 07:54:35

I know some one who feeds every thing with a dash of liquid feed in a watering can.

Personally I think they are short of something to do. At the allotment every morning and not allowed home until the wife has done the housework.

Title: Re: over wintering onions
Post by: lewic on March 10, 2009, 08:11:05

QuoteCapping means when the very top layer (1cm) of the soil seals itself and makes a tough impermeable layer or cap

Didnt realise there was a techy name for this! Mine has a thick crust, better get the hoe out.

Some of mine are quite close together (about 4 inches), should these be taken out or can they be transplanted?

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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: STEVEB on March 08, 2009, 21:13:42