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Are you venturing into onion farming in Kenya? To ensure a thriving crop, here are essential tips and insights, backed by Onion Doctor’s expertise.
Soil Preparation for Onion Farming Onions thrive in loamy, loose, and well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Ensure optimal soil conditions for robust bulb development. Follow these key steps: Soil Type: Choose loamy soil for ideal onion growth, avoiding compacted or heavy clay soils. Watering: Onions benefit from regular watering. The more water they receive, the sweeter the onions. Provide daily watering for optimal results. Fertilization: Onions are heavy feeders. Prepare the bed by mixing compost into the soil. Add nitrogen-rich fertilizer at planting and regularly throughout the season. Practice annual crop rotation.
Starting from Seed: Boosting Germination For successful onion farming, starting from seed is a crucial step. Maximize seed germination with these strategies: Warmth is Key: Start onion seeds indoors and maintain warm soil conditions. Seeds germinate faster at 20°C. Fresh Seeds: Use fresh onion seeds, as they have a limited lifespan. Sow seeds about one inch deep and half an inch apart. Moisture Management: Keep the soil moist, misting as needed. Cover with a plastic bag to retain heat. Sprouts may appear in as little as four days.
Planting Onion Sets: Simplifying the Process Onion sets offer an easier start but limit cultivar choices. Follow these steps for planting onion sets: Soil Enrichment: Work compost or manure into the soil and add alfalfa pellets for nitrogen boost. Planting Depth: Plant sets no more than one inch deep, spacing them two to six inches apart in rows. Moisture Retention: Onions need consistent moisture. Add a layer of straw between rows to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting and Storage: Ensuring Longevity Harvesting and storing onions properly are vital for prolonged freshness. Follow these guidelines: Harvest Timing: After 100-120 days, harvest when the green tops fall over, and a flower stalk emerges. Immediate Use: If using immediately, gently pull up the onion. Fresh onions should be consumed within days. Storage Techniques: For longer storage, leave the onion in the ground, pulling back soil around the bulb for exposure. After tops dry, pull out the onions. Storage Conditions: Choose a sheltered, well-ventilated spot for storage. Handle onions carefully to avoid bruising and rot.
Onion Doctor’s Support: Your Farming Ally Onion Doctor is committed to supporting smallholder farmers across Africa. We offer: Quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings Farm planning services Soil testing for optimal nutrient management Drip irrigation installation and maintenance Agronomic support for healthier crops Onion and Garlic value packs for enhanced productivity Comprehensive farm management assistance E-extension services and on-farm training Choose Onion Doctor for successful onion farming in Kenya. Optimize yields, maximize profits, and cultivate success with our expert support.