Written by Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Unlock the secrets to successful onion farming in Kenya by understanding the discerning preferences of onion customers. Beyond high yields, market diligence plays a pivotal role. In this comprehensive guide explore the best onion varieties available, each boasting unique features that cater to the selective demands of consumers. Best onion varieties and their features Russet f1 Features High productive Good resistance to IR and Pink rot Mid –early maturity Red skin colour with a slightly pungent taste Storage period of 4-5 months Red Pinoy Features Deep red attractive bulbs with a maturity of 90-110days from transplanting It has a strong pungent smell and long shelf life of up to 6 months at room temperature Tolerant to downy mildew and purple blotch The highest yield of up to 30tones per acre Neptune f1 Features High yielding Usually forms shining red bulbs with good pungency Good for salads Red skin with flattened globe shape Has a mid to late maturity (110-120) 5-6 months storage period Good pink rot resistance Bombay red Features It is good for dry land warmer conditions Produces small to medium-sized bulbs which are globe in shape and have deep purple red color and very pungent Has a maturity of 150-160 days from transplanting Has an average yield potential of 16,000kg per acre Red Creole Features Produces red, flat-round, globular bulbs Have a very pungent taste Maturity of 150-160daysafter transplanting Excellent in storage Average yield potential of up to 16,000kg per acre Texas Grano f1 Features White colour with a golden exterior Have large bulbs with an average maturity of 120 days from transplanting Poor in storage It has a mild pungency which is good for the salad with an average yield of 21,000kgs per acre. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Without a doubt that, due to its taste which is milder and sweeter than that of the onion, the leek is the aromatic vegetable par excellence. It’s a good idea to consume the whole leek (both the white and the green) to get the fullest benefit of its nutritional value. While it is rich in minerals (iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and calcium), the leek is low in calories. Its low calorific value (35 calories per 100 grams) and high mineral and vitamin content rank it high on the nutritional value scale. Being rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B9 (folic acid) and C gives the leek a number of medicinal properties. Numerous nutritional studies show that, like certain other fresh and colored vegetables, the leek can help prevent certain forms of cancer. It is also rich in fiber, thanks to which it promotes regular intestinal functioning. The pectins and cellulose gently stimulate movements of the intestines. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Embark on a journey into the world of sustainable agriculture with Onion Doctor. Our commitment to organic farming aligns with the principles of healthy food, resilient soils, and flourishing environments. Soil-Centric Approach: Discover the core principles of organic farming that prioritize healthy soils. Onion Doctor employs biological fertilizer inputs, cover cropping, and crop rotation to enhance soil quality and organic matter. Organic farming is agriculture that makes healthy food, healthy soils, healthy plants, and healthy environments a priority, along with crop productivity. Organic farmers use biological fertilizer inputs and management practices such as cover cropping and crop rotation to improve soil quality and build organic soil matter. By increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil, organic farmers enhance the soil’s ability to absorb water, reducing the impacts of drought and flooding. Improving soil organic matter also helps it to absorb and store carbon and other nutrients need to grow healthy crops, which, in turn, are better able to resist insects and diseases. Organic production systems do not use genetically modified (GM) seed, synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Some of the essential characteristics of organic systems include design and implementation of an organic system plan that describes the practices used in producing crops and livestock products; a detailed recordkeeping system that tracks all products from the field to point of sale; and maintenance of buffer zones to prevent inadvertent contamination by synthetic farm chemicals from adjacent conventional fields. Organic farms use production practices with environmental benefits such as water management practices, no-till or minimum tillage, habitat maintenance for beneficial insects and vertebrates, and biological pest control. These ecologically protective practices contribute to enhanced ecosystem services and benefit water quality, soil health, and biodiversity. Conventional farming typically uses minimal crop rotations, growing the same single crop year after year on the same land. This practice, known as mono cropping causes the depletion of nutrients and minerals. In order to continue growing crops in this depleted soil, nutrients and minerals must be added back in the form of hydrocarbon based fertilizers and mined minerals such as phosphate. Conventional GM farming is dependent on earth-based non-renewable resources. Monocultures and the resulting poor health open the way for infestations of insects, diseases and weeds. Healthy bio-diverse soil keeps these infestations in check. The lack of biodiversity requires synthetic pesticides and herbicides to be used, further destroying the national soil biology. Using biological forms of fertilizer such as compost, animal manures, and legume cover crops, builds soil organic matter, even when routine tillage is used for weed control. Building soil organic matter increases soil water retention and nurtures more active soil microbial communities that retain nitrogen in the soil longer and transform it into non-leachable gaseous forms. There is a small but telling body of research in the US that suggests that improved soil quality influences the ability of crops to withstand or repel insect attack and plant disease. Organic biological fertilizer sources release their nutrients slowly over time, providing more opportunity for the nitrogen to be digested by soil organisms and taken up by crops before leaching below the root zone. Increased soil organic matter in the soil leads to tighter nutrient cycling and greater water holding capability in organically managed soils, with the result that nitrate leaching from groundwater is about half that of conventionally farmed soils. The cost of organic food is higher than that of conventional food because the organic price tag more closely reflects the true cost of growing the food: substituting labor and intensive management for chemicals. These costs may include cleanup of polluted water and remediation of pesticide contamination. Onion Doctor stands as a beacon for smallholder farmers in Africa, championing quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, sustainable farm planning, and innovative practices such as drip irrigation. Join us in the pursuit of optimized yields and maximum profits through organic and environmentally conscious farming practices.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Explore the art and science of successful onion farming in Kenya with Onion Doctor. Discover key insights and crucial considerations for a thriving onion farming venture. What are the several things you should consider before starting onion farming? Budget: How much is required to start farming onions? Do you have the resources? With 100,000ksh – 250,000ksh, you can begin your onion farming venture. The starting capital could be even lower, especially if you have all the requirements. For example, you own the land, have a drip irrigation system, have an existing farm with laborers already, and so forth. What will be the returns The yields and profitability expected will be driven by many factors, including the varieties planted, crop management, geographical locations, water availability, etc. The average market price will vary between 50ksh- 100ksh depending on the current market prices, sometimes can even go higher as will be dictated by the market dynamics. Hybrid varieties can yield as high as 12-15 Tons depending on the management aspects, fertility of the soil, and weather aspects during the crop growth. The local variety produces 4-8 tons in similar conditions. Basic requirements for onion farming Onions do well in fertile, well-drained, sandy loam soil. They prefer pH ranging between 5.8 and 6.8. You must test your soil before planting. The average rainfall is required, and one can opt to use irrigation. Which variety to choose from There are both local and hybrid varieties. The local varieties are the open-pollinated varieties propagated traditionally by the local people hence the name local varieties. Hybrid varieties were developed later as an improvement to the local types. It’s worth noting that different varieties of onions will yield differently under other conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include Red Creole, Red Pinoy, Jambar F1, and Red Bombay. The popular seed variety in Kenya is the Jambar F1, as it produces a high yield, and the size of its onions is bigger. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. As an onion farmer in Kenya, strategic planning is crucial for a successful harvest. Timing plays a pivotal role in onion cultivation, determining the outcome of your efforts. In this article, we delve into the best time to plant onions in Kenya, focusing on the unique considerations for short-day and long-day onion varieties. Best Time Of Year To Plant Onions In Kenya: The optimal time for planting onions in Kenya varies based on regional and weather conditions. Generally, the most favorable period is during the dry season, spanning from October to December. This timeframe offers warm temperatures ideal for onion germination and growth. The soil is also sufficiently warm to support seed development. Planting during the dry season minimizes the risk of seedling damage from heavy rains or flooding, reducing the likelihood of disease and pest infestations. Consult Onion Doctor for Expert Guidance: For personalized guidance on onion planting, protection from pests, and disease prevention, consider consulting Onion Doctor. Their expertise can help you navigate the specific conditions of your region, ensuring optimal planting times and robust crop protection strategies. Planting Short-Day Onions: Short-day onions, also known as “storage onions,” thrive in regions with cooler temperatures and have a shorter growing season. In Kenya, the prime time for planting short-day onions is typically from October to December. This schedule allows the onions to establish roots before the onset of the rainy season and facilitates maturity before temperatures rise Planting Long-Day Onions: Long-day onions, or “summer onions,” require a longer growing season and flourish in warmer temperatures. In Kenya, the best time for planting long-day onions is typically from February to April. Planting during this period allows for root establishment before the dry season and ensures maturity before the onset of intense heat.: To enhance your onion farming endeavors, Onion Doctor provides valuable support to smallholder farmers across Africa. Their services include quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic support, onion and garlic value packs, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training. These offerings empower farmers to optimize yields and maximize profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Embarking on onion farming in Kenya, whether on a large or small scale, presents a lucrative opportunity for both commercial and domestic purposes. Despite the majority of onions being imported from Tanzania, local cultivation can bridge this gap and create a thriving market for Kenyan farmers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key steps and considerations in successful onion farming, optimized for maximum yield and profitability. NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT All onions are raised on a nursery bed before being transplanted onto the main seedbed once ready. 1acre requires an average of 1-1.8kgs of seed depending on the variety and irrigation method used. The plot should be prepared by digging and mixing the soil with well decomposed farmyard manure. For ease of nursery management practices such as weeding and irrigation, ensure the nursery bed is 1.2m wide and of a conventional length. Make shallow drills of 1cm – 2cm depth at a spacing of 15cm – 20cm apart. Thinly sow the seeds and cover them lightly using soil or well decomposed and fine farmyard manure. At this point you can drench your nursery using a bio-stimulant, fungicide and insecticide to control against early attack of soil borne diseases and pests. Germination takes place in about 5-7days. Depending on environmental conditions, irrigate your nursery in the morning hours but maintain a damp condition during the 6weeks of seed raising in the nursery. On the 6th week when seedlings have 3-5 leaves trim them and apply a fungicide to prevent attacks from Downey mildew. This facilitates more root development, more plant vigor and large bulbs. Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they have 3-5 well formed leaves. LAND PREPARATION Onions thrive well in a wide range of soils but they should be fertile and welldrained with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Optimum temperature ranges from 15℃ − 30℃. It is advisable to till the land 2-3weeks before transplanting and harrow 1- 2times to obtain a fine tilth suitable during onion production. TRANSPLANTING Before lifting the seedlings, the nursery bed should be irrigated a day before to avoid root damage of the seedlings. The seedlings should be transplanted in rows 15-20cm apart and 8-10cm from one seedling to the other. At this spacing, the onions utilize fertilizer and manure applied efficiently which in turn makes onions mature fast and maximize yield per unit area. NOTE: During transplanting, don’t burry the onion seedlings more than 1inch into the soil. Continuously irrigate your onion seedlings in cases of less rainfall. One can choose to use furrow, overhead or drip irrigation. Prolonged drought periods can lead to onions splitting or formation of multiple bulbs. NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENT Onions have adventitious roots, a factor which makes them heavy feeders hence consistently require feeding and irrigation. At planting, application of phosphorous is crucial as this acts a starter solution that invigorates young seedlings growth. One can choose to apply NPK or CAN. After 2-3weeks when the seedlings have established, a top dress using a nitrogenous fertilizer is required. A second and third top dress split might be necessary depending on the soil analysis results. Foliar fertilizers can be applied in between the basal fertilization splits to maximize on nutrition required during growth. o Once the bulbs start to form and push away the soils, minimize on Nitrogen application as this can lead to delayed maturity due to thick necks and soft bulbs. Since onions develop slower than other vegetable crops, they are more susceptible to weed competition especially during early stages of growth which can result to yield losses. Weeds can be controlled by using pre or post emergence herbicides by using only registered products. Care should be taken to avoid damage to the bulbs when carrying out mechanical weeding. HARVESTING ONIONS Bulb onions generally are ready for harvest 3-4months after transplanting which depends on the variety. OPVs have a longer maturity period compared to hybrids. Another key indicator is when 75% of the foliage begins to discolor, bend and dry towards the ground. Harvesting is done by pulling the bulbs and chopping off the dry foliage and roots followed by grading and storing the bulbs in net bags. Field curing is possible when temperatures are between 27℃ − 30℃ for about two weeks where the bulbs will have a tight neck and dry outer scales that rustle. By doing this, one will prolong shelf life by preventing moisture loss and disease attack such as bacterial rots, fusarium rots and neck rots. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Embark on a journey of onion farming success in Kenya as we unravel the secrets behind the best hybrid and non-hybrid onion seeds. From cost-effectiveness to adaptability, discover the ideal seeds that cater to the diverse needs of Kenyan farmers. Hybrid vs. Non-Hybrid Onion Seeds: Decoding the Choices Why should you grow hybrid onions? Cost-Effectiveness: Hybrid seeds are resistant to common pests and diseases, reducing the need for expensive pesticides and herbicides. Profitability: Fast-growing or early-maturing hybrid seeds allow for multiple harvests per year, ensuring high yields and longer shelf life. Sustainability: Many hybrid seeds are tolerant to high temperatures and moisture stress, making them resilient to climate change risks. Why you should grow OPV onions? Cost-Effective: Non-hybrid seeds are generally more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for farmers. Adaptability: Non-hybrid seeds are often better adapted to local growing conditions, resulting in better yields and quality. Seed Saving: Non-hybrid seeds can be saved from year to year, providing a sustainable source without yearly purchases. Organic Farming: Preferred by organic farmers, non-hybrid seeds are not genetically modified and can be grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Best Hybrid Onion Seeds in Kenya: Unlocking Excellence Jambar F1: Easy to grow and matures in 90 days Deep red, uniform bulbs with a long shelf life of up to 6 months High yield potential and resistant to bolting Neptune F1: Drought-tolerant variety for dry areas Early-maturity, ready to harvest in 110-120 days Round-shaped bulbs with extended shelf life of 5-6 months Red Coach F1: Highly popular among farmers in Kenya and Uganda Early maturing with flattened globe-shaped bulbs Deep purple-red color, high yield, and resistance to diseases Best OPV Onion Seeds in Kenya: Embracing Tradition Red Creole: Popular heirloom variety for low-altitude areas Small to medium-sized bulbs with a spicy flavor Resistant to pink root rot and suitable for storage Bombay Red: Adaptable and thrives in varied agro-climates Yields up to 20 tons per acre in 120-150 days Resistance to Iris Yellow Spot Virus and thrips Red Pinoy: Well-adapted to rain-fed and irrigation environments Very early maturing, ready in 90 days Potential yield of 25-30 tons per acre Onion Doctor’s Support: Empowering Farmers for Success For smallholder farmers across Africa, Onion Doctor stands as a reliable partner, offering quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension, and on-farm training. This comprehensive support empowers farmers to optimize yields and achieve maximum profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Embark on a successful journey into bulb onion farming with this step-by-step guide. From site selection to crop management, learn the essential practices that will set you on the path to a thriving onion farm in Kenya. Site selection : Plant onions in easily broken soils that have high organic matter, that infiltrates, and have good water retention ability. You can manage this by farming on a sandy to silty loam soil. The ideal gradient of the farm should be flat or with a gentle slope. If you will be planting on a high surface or land cultivated on terraces. You need to plant in rows across the main slope. For onions to do well farm them on land with manure and crop residue from the previous season. Onions do well with well-decomposed organic manure. Crop rotation: Practice crop rotation by planting onions after legumes like beans, tomatoes, and cabbages. As a point of caution do not plant onions in one field for more than two farming seasons. Crop management Transplantation Techniques: Transplant onion seedlings at 6–8 weeks or when the base is pencil thick. Plant in rows, 2.5–3cm deep trenches, with 8–10cm spacing between plants. Irrigate the seedbed before harvesting for damage-free uprooting.: Ensure to transplant the onion seedlings at 6 – 8 weeks after germination or at 3 to 5 well-formed leaves when the base of the plant is pencil thick. Plan the seedlings in 2.5 to 3cm deep trenches at a spacing of 3 centimeters between the rows. The distance between your plants should be about 8 to 10 centimeters apart. Make sure to irrigate your seedbed prior to harvesting the plants from the bed. This ensures the plants are transplanted without damage during the uprooting stage. To ensure a great transplant to maturity ratio irrigate the desired field a day before the transplanting day. Apply 80 kilograms per acre of TSP/DAP in the field. Carefully pull out the seedlings to avoid damage. Cut off 50 percent of the crop to hasten growth after transplanting. Site selection: Prepare land at least two weeks before the onset of rains. Doing this allows air into the soil and exposes pests that live in the soil o die. Ensure the soil is well prepared for proper germination and establishment of the crop. Break up all the big soil clods and remove weeds. Spread out well rotten manure at a rate of 10 to 16 tons per acre. This is easily estimated to be between 500 and 800 wheelbarrows. Mix the manure with the soil 30 days before transplanting. Planting: Plough and harrow a month before sowing and leave the land for a period without planting. Doing this will expose cutworms to their predators. To ensure the farm’s nutrient integrity rotate onions with beans, cabbages, or potatoes. Only use well-decomposed manure or compost since fresh compost and manure can hist cutworms. Use only clean seedlings/ seeds during the planting phase. Avoid using and planting successive onions and don’t plant onions on a farm after cabbages or kales. Soak the seedlings/bulbs in products containing dicofol like Acarin for 30 minutes before planting. You should source and plant resistant varieties like Red Passion F1 and Red Poney F1 to help you in disease management. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Welcome to Onion Doctor, your trusted partner in onion farming solutions. We specialize in offering quality drip irrigation services, including drip kits, installation services, and disease/drought-resistant seedlings at competitive prices. Explore the benefits of our services and revolutionize your onion farming practices in Kenya. Reasons for Drip Irrigation in Onion Farming: Water Efficiency: Drip irrigation is a water-saving method that optimizes wetting patterns in onion root zones, reducing the growth of weeds and enhancing overall yield. Balanced Water Supply: Drip irrigation provides a consistent balance in water supply to onions, ensuring individual drops accumulate to meet the required levels for efficient production, especially during critical growth stages. Soil Moistening and Maintenance: Drip irrigation helps in soil moistening and maintains soil temperature, pH, and fertility. The drop-by-drop irrigation method prevents cooling effects, erosion, and humus removal. Low Labor Requirements: Drip irrigation requires minimal labor, as water supply and distribution are handled through pipework, eliminating the need for additional manpower or casual workers. Protection of Onion Bulbs and Roots: Unlike other irrigation methods with high-pressure water hitting the ground, drip irrigation minimizes exposure of onion bulbs and roots, reducing the risk of erosion. Water and Fertilizer Distribution: Drip irrigation allows for efficient water utilization, enabling large-scale watering of onion farms. It also facilitates easy and uniform distribution of fertilizers through drip lines. Components of Onion Drip Irrigation System: HDPE or PVC pipes Drip emitter (15 cm Spacing) Water tank Ball Valves Connectors Tank connectors Filters Appropriate Onion Drip Layout: Prepare beds spaced 1 meter apart, with a footpath for plant inspection, spraying, and harvesting. Use 3 drip lines per bed with a uniform spacing of at least 30 cm apart. Opt for a 15 cm drip emitter spacing to match plant spacing. When to Plant Onions on Beds: Plant onions before the onset of rains or drip irrigation installation to enhance soil warmth for shoot development. How to Transplant Onions: Uproot onions carefully to prevent root damage. Space onion seedlings 10 cm apart for optimal yield. Irrigating Onions: Daily irrigation during the planting stage. Increase irrigation to at least 4 times a week as bulbs start forming. Reduce irrigation three weeks before harvest when leaves start drying. Onion Doctor Support: Onion Doctor supports smallholder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation and maintenance, agronomic support, onion and garlic value packs, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training. Reasons for Drip Irrigation in Onion Farming Being a water saving method it only enhances wetting patterns of onion root zones. This plays an important role in reducing rapid growing weeds that lowers yield. Drip irrigation enhances a balance in water supply to onions. Individual drops of water accumulate to a level required for efficient production. Water is available to onions every time, mostly, during critical growth levels. Drip irrigation moistens the soil and maintains the soil temperature, PH, and fertility. With drop-by-drop irrigation, the cooling effect, erosion, and humus removal does not occur. Labor requirements are low for drip irrigation. With water supply and distribution done by pipework, no casuals or manpower to operate the drip system. Drip irrigation rarely exposes onion bulbs and roots unlike other methods where water hits the ground at high pressure prone to erosion. With minimum water utilization, you can water a large farm with more onion plants with drip irrigation. Drip allows for fertilizers to be distributed easily and uniformly through drip. Fertilizers are mixed and introduced to plants through drip lines. Components of Onion Drip Irrigation System HDPE or PVC pipes Drip emitter (15 cm Spacing) Water tank Ball Valves Connectors Tank connectors Filters Appropriate Onion Drip Layout Beds need to be prepared and spaced 1 M apart. The space in between is good for a footpath during plant inspection, spraying and harvesting. Use 3 drip lines per bed and ensure they have a uniform spacing of at least 30 cm apart. Drip emitter spacing should match or conform to the plant spacing. The best drip emitter to use is 15 cm drip emitter. When to Plant onions on Beds: The onion cloves should be planted once the beds are ready and plant spacing calculated. The best time to plant onions is before the onset of the rains or before installation of drip irrigation to enhance soil warmth for shoot development. How to Transplant Onions: While transplanting careful uprooting is necessary to prevent the roots from damage. Spacing of onion seedlings 10 cm apart is essential for higher yield. Irrigating Onions: The rate of irrigation depends on the stage of the onion plants. During the planting or germinating stage, the onions plants require high water levels and should be irrigated daily for up to 2 times a day. When the onions have developed leaves, the bulbs start forming. This stage requires a lot of water and sunlight.Irrigation for at least 4 times a week until the bulbs are mature enough for harvest. This is usually 3 weeks before harvest, a period when leaves start drying. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke. Embarking on successful onion farming in Kenya requires a thorough understanding of the specific conditions, transplanting techniques, and strategies to overcome challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key aspects of onion farming, optimized for Kenyan conditions. Conditions for Onion Farming Onions perform well in well drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils. The ideal pH is 5.8 to 6.8. Soil test with accredited laboratories is important. The ideal temperatures onions need to grow are between 13 – 35 degrees centigrade. This means that onions can grow in most parts of Kenya. Onions are a cool season crop. Most areas in Ukambani and the Coastal region are extremely dry. 1 kg of seedlings can be used in 1 acre while 20 grams of DAP Fertilizer is applied per square meter. There are different seed varieties and they perform differently under different conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include; Red Creole, Red Pinnoy, Jambar 1 and Red Bombay. The most popular seed variety in Kenya is the Jambar F1. Transplanting Onions can either be grown directly or seed put in a nursery bed before transplanting. It is important to do a soil test before planting to know the status of nutrients in the soil, which will guide you on nutrient application for onions production. Farmer should prepare the land to a fine tilth and add well decomposed manure. Depending on the soil test, one can consider using DAP during planting and top-dress using CAN at week four, in recommended amounts. To prevent the transplanting shock, do the exercise early morning, late in evening or when the weather is cloudy. It’s ideal to trim the shoot and root (3 inches for shoots and 0.5 inch for roots) before seedling placement to minimize moisture loss and seedling shock during and after transplanting. The ideal spacing is 8-10cm between the seedlings and 15cm for inter row distance to allow better bulb development. Spacing is also determined by the variety planted and soil fertility Challenges facing Onion Farming in Kenya Excess water-resistant Too much rains or excess watering can water log the crop. To avoid this, you should plant the crop during the short rains, or alternatively, raise the beds to allow the water to flow out of the field. Pests, diseases and weeds: Pests such as thrips, onion flies, red spider mites, leaf miners, nematodes affect onions. The common diseases that affect onions include; downy mildew, purple blotch, bacterial soft rot, botrytis and rust affect onions. Frequent scouting for pest and diseases is important for early detection, prevention and control. Land should be free of weeds, which compete for nutrients, light and space and harbor pest and diseases. Weeding is best done by mechanical methods. Weeds can also destroy your crop and should be removed. Harvesting onions: Harvesting should be done during the dry season. Bulb onions are ready for harvesting once they form a shiny membranous cover around the bulbs or when the foliage withers. Spring onions are ready for harvesting when they are 15 centimeters tall and 1.5 centimeters thick. Harvesting is done by pulling the bulbs and then chopping off the leaves. You then dry the bulbs in the sun before storing the produce. Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.