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. Embarking on garlic farming in Kenya is a straightforward yet rewarding endeavor that requires minimal effort. This guide provides insights into the key aspects of successful garlic cultivation, including suitable conditions, garlic varieties, and essential tips for planting and harvesting. Growing Garlic: Conditions and Planting Tips: Soil Requirements: Garlic thrives in well-drained soil, particularly soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Planting Process: Separate garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Plant cloves 2-3 inches apart, barely covered with soil. Water regularly to maintain moist but not soggy soil. Mulch around plants with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Different Varieties of Garlic to Grow: Elephant Garlic: Mild-flavored with large cloves, suitable for roasting or baking whole. Russian Red Garlic: Unique variety with a spicier flavor, ideal for salads and dishes without overpowering taste. Music Garlic: Mild flavor, suitable for pickling and canning recipes. Italian Purple: Robust flavored variety, adds a punch of flavor to any dish. Suitable Location and Climate Conditions for Garlic Farming: Climate Requirements: Thrives in areas with both warm and cool climates. Ideal temperatures for garlic farming in Kenya are between 18-20 degrees Celsius. Optimal altitude is less than 1500 meters. Soil Conditions: Well-draining, fertile soils with good organic matter content. Rainfall and Planting Season: Plant during the dry season to ensure a period of dormancy before harvesting. Garlic needs plenty of water but not excessive rainfall. Harvesting and Curing: Harvesting Process: Choose a dry day for harvesting. Loosen the soil and carefully pull out the bulbs with the stalk attached. Curing Process: Tie the top of the stalks in bundles and hang them bulb down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated place for about three weeks. Ensure the whole stalk is brown, and the bulb has formed several layers of papery skin before cleaning and storing. 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 onions continue to gain popularity among Kenyan farmers, the demand for high-quality onion transplants is on the rise. In this guide, we explore the key factors affecting onion transplant production, from temperature control to watering practices and nutrient management. Learn valuable insights to enhance the quality of your onion transplants and ensure a successful harvest. Onion transplants are subject to stretching . Growers wishing to keep their onion transplants compact should maintain their night temperature  warmer than the daytime temperature. So, if a grower is maintaining their nighttime temperature then they should be keeping the temperature in their greenhouse during the day.  Water quality should be assessed prior to growing any transplants, but onions grow best when the water source has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 with a low  salt level. Moisture management is critical in growing high-quality onion transplants. Overwatering can lead to damping off, poor root growth, or disease development. The edges of onion plug trays can also dry out before the center of the tray so a grower should monitor moisture levels regularly. While we do not like to see moisture stressed plants, most successful onion transplant growers try to confine their watering to the morning hours. Late afternoon watering under cloudy gray skies leads to longer drying times which could promote foliar diseases in the onion plugs. Onion transplants are considered to be light feeders. The starter fertilizer charge in most potting media will last 2-3 weeks. About 2-3 weeks after onion germination and after the first true leaf has developed growers can begin to apply nutrients via fertigation. Growers should be applying fertilizer precisely using a calibrated fertilizer injector. Growers can opt to fertilize the crop once a week at 100 ppm nitrogen or use 50 ppm nitrogen via constant liquid feed. While many different water-soluble fertilizers can be used, I would opt for a 15-5-15 fertilizer. This fertilizer has a lower phosphorus level which will reduce the likelihood of stretching. Trimming onion transplants can be a controversial topic since the physical removal of onion foliage would seemingly encourage the risk of disease because of the wounding process. While this is a valid concern, growers find that trimming onion foliage in the transplant house yields a stronger more compact plant that is easier to mechanically transplant. Growers that advocate for trimming recommend trimming the onion plants to 4″ in height after the first true-leaf develops and repeating the procedure if necessary. As growers move closer to transplanting their onions in the field, they should consider hardening them off. Approximately one week prior to transplanting in the field consider moving the onions outdoors. Reduce watering and fertilization to slow growth and encourage hardening. Some growers like to make a single insecticide application to the onions outdoors while in the plug trays to discourage onion maggots from laying their eggs on the onion foliage. 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.