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. When choosing a spot for your onion bed, look for well-drained soil that is not too loose or moist. Clean sandy loam with a pH between 6.6 and 6.8 is the best soil for growing onions. The area should never have puddles of water after watering or rain because onion bulbs rot if sitting in moisture too long. If your soil is too mucky, you can add sand to it, mixing it in with a garden rake. Before planting your onion seedlings, make sure the soil is free of stones and any other debris. Even coarse gravel can interfere with seedling growth. Take care to pulverize any soil clumps into a fine texture. Incorporating a thick layer of organic manure also adds nutrients to the soil for growing large onions. How Far Apart to Plant Onion Seedlings: Once you have worked the soil into a soft, loose bed, use the corner of a hoe to make one-inch deep furrows in your garden, spaced about 14-inches apart. This will give plenty of room for large bulbs to grow and provide air circulation to the bulbs. Plant your seedlings three to four inches apart, depending on the cultivar you have. Larger onions need more space. How to Set the Onion Seedlings in the Soil: If your seedlings have tall, thin stems, you can trim them back to about three-inches tall before planting them. Trimming back the onion stems allows the seedlings to develop a strong root system. Follow these steps for setting your onion seedlings in your furrows: Hold the seedling in your hand and place the seedling root into the furrow. Use your other hand to press the plant into place in the soft soil. Press the soil firmly against the roots. Fill up the hole with soil and smooth it out. Water the seedlings. Maintaining Onion Seedlings: Water your onion plants weekly but let them dry out between weekly watering. As your seedlings grow, the slender stems will get longer. To maximize growth of your seedlings, weed around the roots regularly, so they don’t block the sunlight from the young plants. You can hand-pull the weeds or use a hoe around the plants. If any of the seedlings or bulbs should get dislodged from underground, just press them back into place. Applying organic mulch around your onion seedlings can help with weed prevention. 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. Unlock the potential of onion farming in Kenya with a comprehensive guide. From the high market demand to easy cultivation and versatile growing regions, onion farming in Kenya offers a host of benefits. This article explores the art of growing, caring for, and harvesting onions, focusing on various onion varieties, suitable locations, climate conditions, market dynamics, and potential challenges in the world of onion farming. Benefits of Onion Farming in Kenya Onion farming in Kenya has a number of benefits. The most obvious benefit is that you can make money from it. Onion is a crop that has a high demand in the market, and you can get good prices for it. But there are other benefits as well. Onion farming is a good way to diversify your farming portfolio. It is also a good crop to grow in areas where other crops do not do well. And finally, it is a very sustainable crop – you can grow it with very little water and without using pesticides or fertilizers. Market Demand for Onion in Kenya Onion is a very important vegetable crop in Kenya. The country is the largest producer of Onion in the region. Onion is grown all over the country but the main production is from Central, Rift Valley and Eastern provinces. The demand for Onion is very high in the local market. The demand for fresh Onion is higher than that of processed onion. The main consumers of fresh Onion are hotels, restaurants and households. The major buyers of processed Onion are industries such as beverage, canning, flour milling, ice cream and potato chip factories. The price of fresh Onion ranges from 40 to 60 shillings per kilogram while the price of processed Onion ranges from 25 to 45 shillings per kilogram. Common Onion Varieties Grown in Kenya Red Pinoy Yield per Acre: Approximately 12-15 tons Characteristics: Red Pinoy is known for its deep red color and globe-shaped bulbs. It has a strong flavor and is suitable for both fresh consumption and storage. It tends to have good resistance to diseases. Important Considerations: Adequate spacing and proper irrigation are crucial for preventing disease and ensuring bulb development. Texas Grano Yield per Acre: Around 14-17 tons Characteristics: Texas Grano onions are large, sweet, and mild-flavored. They are excellent for slicing and using in salads. They have a light yellow to brown skin color and store well. Important Considerations: Texas Grano onions require well-drained soil and consistent moisture to achieve their optimal yield and flavor. Bombay Red Yield per Acre: Approximately 10-14 tons Characteristics: Bombay Red onions have a distinctive red color and a pungent flavor. They are suitable for cooking and are commonly used in traditional Kenyan dishes. Important Considerations: Adequate spacing and proper soil preparation are essential for healthy bulb development. Regular weeding and disease management are important. Red Creole Yield per Acre: About 12-16 tons Characteristics: Red Creole onions have a reddish-brown skin and a slightly flattened shape. They have a strong and tangy flavor, making them a favorite for various culinary uses. Important Considerations: These onions thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soils. Adequate sunlight and spacing between plants are crucial for optimal yield. Grano 502 Yield per Acre: Around 13-16 tons Characteristics: Grano 502 onions are medium-sized with a golden-yellow skin. They have a mild and sweet flavor, making them versatile for different dishes. Important Considerations: Proper soil fertility and adequate irrigation are necessary for achieving the desired yield and quality of Grano 502 onions. Conditions for Onion Farming Onion farming requires specific conditions for optimal growth and yield. Proper attention to these factors ensures healthy plant development, bulb formation, and overall success in your onion farming. 1. Climate: Onions thrive in cool to mild climates with moderate temperatures. The ideal temperature range for onion growth is around 13°C to 24°C. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as they can lead to poor bulb development. 2. Soil: Choose well-drained soils with good water-holding capacity, preferably sandy loam to clay loam. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Ensure proper soil preparation, including loosening, leveling, and incorporation of organic matter. 3. Irrigation: Onions require consistent moisture throughout their growth cycle, especially during bulb formation. Drip irrigation is recommended to provide targeted and efficient watering while minimizing water contact with foliage. 4. Sunlight: Onions thrive in full sunlight. Ensure your onion field receives at least 12 to 14 hours of direct sunlight daily. 5. Spacing: Proper plant spacing is crucial for healthy bulb development and disease prevention. Generally, onions should be spaced 10 to 15 cm apart within rows, and rows should be spaced 20 to 30 cm apart. Onions Nursery bed preparation Onions are planted on a raised seedbed for germination and later transplanted into the field. Therefore, preparing the seedbed two to three weeks before sowing is encouraged. To make your seedbed, proceed as follows; Prepare raised seedbeds of 1.2m wide with a length of your choice. Add two 20 liters per square of organic fertilizer, mix it with the soil, and rake it evenly. Irrigate the raised seedbed one day before sowing seeds. Make evenly spread rows of 10-15cm from row to row. Field Preparation for Onion Farming Plow the land one month before transplanting the onion seedlings. Rake the soil to fine particles for two weeks before transplanting the onions. Next, Incorporate 20 -25 tonnes per hectare of ripe animal manure (Poultry or cow dung) into the field. This makes the soil rigid and increases moisture retention for an extended period. Mix the organic fertilizer well with the ground, then prepare the furrows you like. Add the organic manure to every hole during transplanting

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 world of onion farming in Kenya, where the benefits go beyond profits. Discover how this thriving industry not only boosts the economy but also creates jobs and enhances food security. From the profitability of onion cultivation to its role in ensuring self-sufficiency, this article sheds light on the advantages of being an onion farmer in Kenya. Profitability and income generation This farming brings good money. Farmers make a lot of cash from selling onions. The crop grows fast, and farmers can sell it 3-5 months after planting. Onion prices are always high in the market, too. This helps farmers earn more profits. Many success stories show that onion farming is a great way to make money. Also, about half of the red onions sold in Kenya come from other countries, like Tanzania. This means there is room for Kenyan onion farmers to grow and sell more onions in their own country! Job creation and economic growth Onion farming in Kenya not only provides profitable opportunities for farmers but also contributes to job creation and economic growth. Many Kenyan farmers have found success in onion farming, leading to increased employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. As onion cultivation is widespread across the country, more people are able to find work through planting, harvesting, packaging, and selling onions. This not only improves livelihoods but also stimulates local economies by generating income and supporting businesses involved in the production and distribution of onions. With its potential for high profits and job creation, onion farming plays a significant role in boosting Kenya’s agricultural sector and overall economic development. Food security and self-sufficiency Farming plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and self-sufficiency. With onion cultivation being widespread across the country, it helps meet the domestic demand for this essential vegetable. By producing onions locally, Kenya reduces its reliance on imported onions from neighboring countries like Tanzania. This not only strengthens food security but also promotes self-sufficiency by reducing dependence on external sources for such a staple crop. Additionally, it provides income opportunities for farmers and contributes to economic growth, further enhancing the overall agricultural productivity of Kenya. Land preparation and soil management Preparing the land for onion farming is important to ensure healthy plant growth. Here are some techniques for land preparation and soil management: Clear the field of weeds, rocks, and debris before planting. Plow or till the soil to loosen it and create a suitable seedbed. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or manure into the soil to improve fertility. Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH. Based on the soil test results, add appropriate fertilizers to meet the crop’s nutrient requirements. Ensure proper drainage by leveling the field and creating ridges or raised beds if needed. Irrigate the field before planting to ensure adequate moisture. 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. Successful onion farming in Kenya begins with meticulous planning and execution. From establishing the nursery to controlling pests and diseases, every step plays a vital role in ensuring a bountiful harvest. Nursery Establishment: Where It All Begins Creating a Raised Nursery Bed: Start by crafting a raised nursery bed, ideally 1 meter wide and of the desired length. To enrich the soil, apply well-decomposed manure at a rate of 15 kg per square meter. Seeding and Dormancy Breakage: Mix DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) at a rate of 20g per square meter to promote seedling growth. Make shallow furrows with a 15cm separation and mix the onion seeds with sand for even distribution. After sowing the seeds, apply a solution consisting of 10g of loyalty, 100g of pyramid, and 20mls of optimizer mixed with water. This mixture aids in controlling early pests and diseases while breaking seed dormancy. Transplanting: The Next Crucial Step Timing and Seedling Criteria: Transplant your onion seedlings 6 weeks after germination. Opt for seedlings with a pencil-size thickness and a length of approximately 15cm. Ensure they have 3-5 well-formed leaves before transplanting. Weed Control: A Clean Canvas for Onions Importance of Weed Control: Keep your onion field free from weeds, as they can host pests and diseases while competing for essential nutrients. Chemical weed control is the preferred method; use a selective herbicide known as Commander two weeks after transplanting. Combatting Pests and Diseases: Safeguarding Your Crop Dealing with Thrips: Thrips can damage your onion crop by sucking sap and causing silvery white leaves. This affects bulb formation. Control thrips using Alternate Profile and Alonze at the recommended rates. Managing Leaf-Eating Caterpillars: Leaf-eating caterpillars pose a threat to your onion field. Combat them with Alternate Escort and Profile at the specified rates. Addressing Purple Blotch: Purple blotch manifests as water-soaked lesions with white centers on onion leaves. Spray Tower/Fortress Gold at the suggested rate to manage this issue. Mastering onion farming in Kenya requires a structured approach, from nursery establishment to pest control. By meticulously preparing your nursery, selecting the right seedlings, managing weeds, and addressing potential threats like thrips, caterpillars, and purple blotch, you can increase your chances of a successful onion harvest. Onion Doctor is dedicated to assisting smallholder farmers across Africa, offering 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. Join forces with Onion Doctor to optimize your yields and maximize profits in the world of onion farming.

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. Discover the world of onion farming in Kenya and seize the opportunity for both subsistence and commercial success. Onion farming offers a host of benefits, and with Onion Doctor by your side, you can maximize your yields and profits. Let’s explore the lucrative world of onion farming in Kenya. High Demand: Onions are a staple ingredient in almost all Kenyan dishes, making them highly sought after in the market. The demand for onions remains consistently high throughout the year, ensuring a steady market for farmers. Profitability: The retail prices for onions in Kenya can reach up to 200 shillings per kilogram, with wholesale prices range from 35 to 120 shillings per kilogram. Adaptability: Onions can be grown in various regions of Kenya, including Naivasha, Kajiado, Meru, Narok, Nyeri, and even Oloitoktok. Versatility: Onions have multiple uses in the culinary world. They can be used as seasoning in soups, salads, and a wide range of recipes, making them a versatile crop with diverse market opportunities. Understanding the Onion Varieties: Before delving into the farming process, it’s crucial to understand the different onion varieties suitable for cultivation in Kenya. The choice of variety depends on factors such as climate, market demand, and intended use. All the different varieties can be categorized into two main groups: Bulb Onions: Bulb onions are the most common type of onions grown for their bulbs. They come in various colors, including red, white, and yellow. Popular bulb onion varieties in Kenya include Red Creole, Red Couch F1, Texas Early Grano, Red Pinoy, and Red Passion F1. Spring Onions: Spring onions, also known as scallions or salad onions, are non-bulbing onions cultivated for their green stems/leaves. They are highly productive and have a wide range of culinary applications. Planning Your Onion Farm: What to Take Into Consideration Location: Onions thrive in altitudes ranging from 500 to 2000 meters above sea level. Additionally, regions with a rainfall of 500 to 700mm are ideal for onion cultivation. Finally, ensure that the soil has good water-holding capabilities and a pH level between 6 and 7. Land Preparation: Prepare the land for onion farming by plowing and harrowing the soil at least three weeks before planting. Next, apply organic manure or compost (2 to 4 tons per acre) to enhance soil fertility and improve yields. And remember to conduct a soil test to determine if there are any nutrient deficiencies or pathogens that might affect your onions. Onion Propagation and Planting: Select a suitable onion seed variety based on your location and market requirements. Make sure to use certified F1 seeds to ensure a high germination rate. Propagate the onions in a nursery, ensuring proper soil solarization and adequate water supply. Finally, transplant the seedlings when they have reached a suitable size and the weather conditions are favorable. Onion Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial for the healthy growth of onions. Space the onion seedlings by approximately 10x20cm. This spacing will allow for sufficient room for the bulbs to develop while minimizing competition for nutrients and water. Pests and Diseases Control: in Onions Just like most other crops, onions are also susceptible to pest infestations and disease infections. So, you will want to implement proper disease and pest management strategies to protect your onion farm. Below are some of the common onion pests you should be on the lookout for (and how to control them): Thrips: They suck the sap from your onion stems/leaves which will result in them turning a slivery white. To control thrips, alternate between Profile 440EC (30mls/20L) and Umeme (10ml/20L). Caterpillars: Normally, they will feed on the leaves thereby impeding the growth of your onion plants. Control them by alternating between Profile 440EC (30mls/20L) and Benocarb 100SC (10ml/20L). Common onion diseases you should be on the lookout for are: Downey mildew: This results in the onion leaves turning yellow. They will eventually start drying from the tips downwards. Control it by spraying a good fungicide such as Trinity Gold® 450WP (50g/20L). Purple blotch: It is characterized by water soaked lesions on the leaves which quickly develops with white centers. 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 to master the art of red onion farming in Kenya as we explore the fundamental steps tailored for beginners. Discover the secrets to cultivating and nurturing these vibrant crops, ensuring a bountiful harvest in your garden. Understanding Red Onions: To cultivate onions effectively, it is crucial to comprehend their unique characteristics. Red onions are known for their vibrant hue, pungent flavor, and crisp texture. Within the realm of red onions, various popular varieties exist, such as the Red Bull, Red Creole, and Redwing, each possessing distinct qualities that cater to different markets. Additionally, red onions have specific climate and soil requirements. They thrive in regions with moderate temperatures, preferably between (13-24°C), and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Understanding these fundamental aspects helps beginners make informed decisions when venturing into red onion farming. Red Creole Onion Red creole onions have 4 major qualities that makes them to be outstanding among the other red onions. Red creole onions are known to be medium maturing onion, they have a dark red color, and they have awesome yield potential. The red creole onions have tight rings. For you to be able to different the red creole from the other onions, you should check its outer scale, you will definitely see very light red lines that runs to the center of the bulb; they have a pungent taste that makes them not to be as sweet as other onions though excellent in cooking and making salads. Red Grano Onion Variety The Red Grano Onion Variety is another profitable variety in Kenya. This variety is known for its deep red color and high yield. It takes approximately four months to mature and can yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. The Red Grano Onion Variety is ideal for farmers who want to target the high-end market. Red Grano Onion Variety Red Grano Onion Variety It is known for its large size, mild flavor, and excellent storage quality, making it a profitable onion variety to grow. This variety takes approximately 110-130 days to mature, and it can yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. The bulbs are large, with a diameter of up to 10cm, and they have a deep red color, making them attractive and easy to market. The Red Grano Onion Variety is also known for its mild flavor, which makes it popular in dishes that require a subtle onion taste. Red Pinoy F1 Onion Variety The Red Pinoy F1 Onion Variety is another profitable variety in Kenya. This variety is known for its deep red color and high yield. It takes approximately four months to mature and can yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. The Red Pinoy F1 Onion Variety is ideal for farmers who want to target the high-end market. Red Pinoy F1 Onion Variety Red Pinoy F1 Onion Variety It is known for its deep red color, strong flavor, and high yields, making it a profitable onion variety to grow. This variety takes approximately 120-150 days to mature, and it can yield up to 30 tonnes per acre. The bulbs are round, with a diameter of up to 8 cm, and they have a deep red color, making them attractive and easy to market. The Red Pinoy F1 Onion Variety is also known for its strong flavor, which makes it popular in dishes that require a robust onion taste. Plant: Amend The Soil For Onions One of the keys to growing red onions is to give them a good start with the best soil possible. The soil should be well-draining; standing water will cause the bulbs to rot. Mix two inches of compost into the soil first, which will give your onion sets the initial burst of nutrients needed to grow. Mix an organic or time-release fertilizer into the soil before planting. The fertilizer should be under the planting furrow, which is called banding. You want the nutrients where the roots of the onion need them the most. The soil should be between 6.0 to 6.8.  To start your onion bed off properly, make sure you use a hard rake or hoe to loosen the soil. Remove all rocks and weeds as well. Root crops need loose soil to grow down into the ground.  Water 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. Red onions require at least one inch of water each week. If it doesn’t rain, give your plants a good soaking once per week, twice in very hot, dry conditions. An inch of rain should soak sandy, well-drained soil to a depth of