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Home » 7 Reasons To Plant Onions in Fall ( 2024 ) How To Do It

7 Reasons To Plant Onions in Fall ( 2024 ) How To Do It

    I never thought I’d be so enthusiastic about growing onions. They’re one of those vegetables you usually grab without a second thought at the grocery store, but I’ve come to realise how rewarding it is to grow them yourself, especially when you plant them in the fall. The first time I tried it, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect—would they survive the winter? Was it really worth the effort? But now, I’m here to tell you that fall planting is the way to go!

    If you’ve been on the fence about planting onions in the autumn, let me share with you seven reasons why you should give it a try, along with a few tips on how to do it. Trust me, once you’ve grown your own, you’ll never look at onions the same way again!

    1. Stronger, Healthier Plants Come Spring

    One of the biggest benefits of planting onions in the fall is that they have a head start. By the time spring rolls around, the onions you planted in autumn will have already established their roots. This means they’ll be stronger and more resilient when the growing season really kicks off.

    I’ve found that onions planted in the fall tend to be healthier overall. They’re better able to withstand pests and diseases, and they grow into bigger, more robust bulbs. It’s a little like giving your onions a VIP pass to the best growing conditions.

     2. Less Work in the Spring

    Let’s be honest, spring is a busy time for gardeners. Between planting, watering, and keeping up with all the chores, it can feel like a bit of a race to get everything done. Planting onions in the fall takes one task off your spring to-do list, which is a huge relief for me.

    Come spring, instead of rushing to plant onions, you can focus on other garden tasks while your fall-planted onions are already growing strong. It’s a bit like setting yourself up for a smoother, less stressful start to the season, and I’m all for that!

    3. Bigger and Better Harvests

    In my experience, fall-planted onions produce bigger and better bulbs than those planted in the spring. It makes sense when you think about it—the plants have more time to develop and aren’t as rushed by the shorter growing season of spring.

    I’ll never forget the first time I harvested onions from my fall planting. I was amazed at how large and firm the bulbs were compared to the ones I’d grown in previous years. They also had a much richer flavour, which made all the difference in my cooking. Bigger onions, better taste—it’s a win-win!

    4. Onions are Cold-Hardy

    One of my biggest concerns when I first considered fall planting was whether the onions would survive the winter. But, as I quickly learned, onions are incredibly cold-hardy. They can tolerate frost and even a light freeze without any issues.

    I planted mine with a bit of trepidation, but when spring came, those little green shoots started poking through the soil, and I knew they’d made it. The hardiness of onions makes them an ideal candidate for fall planting, especially if you live in a climate with mild winters like I do. If your winters are harsher, a little mulch for extra insulation will do the trick.

    5. You’ll Beat the Summer Heat

    Onions don’t particularly like growing in the sweltering heat of summer, which can stress the plants and affect the size of the bulbs. By planting in the fall, you’re allowing the onions to grow during the cooler months of spring, which they much prefer.

    When I switched to fall planting, I noticed that my onions matured just in time to avoid the hottest part of the summer. They were plump and ready to harvest before the heat had a chance to do any damage. It’s such a relief to harvest them when they’re at their peak, rather than watching them struggle through a heatwave.

    6. It’s a Great Way to Maximise Garden Space

    One of the things I love most about gardening is getting the most out of my space, and planting onions in the fall is a great way to do just that. During the colder months, many parts of the garden tend to lie dormant, but onions thrive in these conditions.

    By planting onions in the fall, you’re using space that might otherwise sit empty. It’s a smart way to maximise your garden’s productivity and make sure you’re getting the most out of every square foot of soil. Plus, once the onions are harvested in early summer, you’ll have plenty of room to plant something else for the rest of the season.

    7. It’s Surprisingly Easy

    I know that fall planting might sound intimidating if you’ve never tried it before, but honestly, it’s one of the easiest gardening tasks you’ll ever do. Onions are pretty low-maintenance, and once they’re in the ground, they do most of the work themselves.

    All you really need is a bit of prep, and then you can sit back and let nature take over. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing you’ve got crops quietly growing beneath the soil while the rest of the garden is sleeping through the winter. It’s like a little secret project happening right under your nose!

    How to Plant Onions in the Fall

    So, now that you’re convinced fall is the time to plant onions, here’s how you can do it:

    1. Choose the Right Variety: Not all onions are suited for fall planting, so make sure you choose varieties that are specifically meant for overwintering. Varieties like ‘Senshu Yellow’, ‘Radar’, or ‘Electric Red’ are great options for fall planting.

    2. Prepare the Soil: Onions like well-draining, loose soil, so make sure you prepare your garden bed by loosening the soil and adding some compost. I usually do this in early autumn, just before planting.

    3. Plant the Sets: Onions are typically planted from sets (small bulbs) rather than seeds when planting in the fall. Space the sets about 4-6 inches apart, and bury them so that the pointed tip is just below the surface of the soil.

    4. Water Well: After planting, give the onions a good soak. They’ll need some water to establish themselves before winter sets in, but once they’re settled, you can ease up on the watering.

    5. Mulch for Extra Protection: If you live in a colder region, adding a layer of mulch over the bed can help insulate the onions and protect them from harsh winter conditions. I’ve found that straw or shredded leaves work well for this.

    6. Sit Back and Wait: Once your onions are planted, there’s not much else to do! Just sit back, enjoy the winter, and wait for those first green shoots to appear in early spring.

    7. Harvest in Early Summer: By early to mid-summer, your onions will be ready to harvest. When the tops begin to yellow and fall over, it’s time to dig them up and enjoy the fruits of your autumn labour.

    Final Thoughts: Why Fall Onions are a Game-Changer

    Planting onions in the fall has completely transformed my gardening routine. It’s such an easy, low-effort way to ensure a healthier, more productive crop, and it takes the pressure off in the spring. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend giving it a go this year. You’ll be amazed at the results, and trust me—there’s nothing quite like harvesting your own onions and knowing you grew them from start to finish!