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 the journey of onion farming in Kenya requires careful planning to ensure a thriving harvest. As a beginner, understanding key aspects such as site selection, seed variety, and the spray program is crucial. In this guide, enriched with insights from Onion Doctor, we navigate through the essential steps for a successful onion farming venture. Setting the Foundation Right: Initial Procedures at the Nursery Importance of nursery management: Before delving into onion farming, it’s imperative to grasp the initial procedures at the nursery. This sets the tone for proper management and ensures a higher germination rate. From site selection to understanding climate patterns, each step contributes to the success of your onion venture. How to establish your onion nursery? Prepare seedbeds with a maximum of 1m wide and incorporate well-decomposed farmyard manure, 20kg/M2 Make rows of about 15cm apart, and then drill the seed thinly in 1cm furrows and cover lightly with soil and mulch. Onion seeds often take 7-10 days to germinate. How to manage your onions nursery? Onion seedlings-How to raise and transplant then successfuly Ensure you irrigate the nursery bed regularly Remove the mulch immediately the seeds emerge and prepare a raised cover Manage the weeds, pests and diseases; if any but with low concentration chemicals Site Selection: Paving the Way for Quality Bulb Formation Factors influencing site selection: The choice of site significantly impacts onion production. Proximity to water sources, topography, and overall security of the area play crucial roles. Onions thrive on fairly level land to facilitate quality bulb formation. Understanding the climate and weather patterns is essential for strategic sowing, ensuring a dry period during the maturity stage. Variety Matters: Choosing High-Yielding Onion Varieties The significance of variety selection: In the realm of onion farming, choosing the right variety is a make-or-break decision. Many beginners fall victim to fake seed scams, emphasizing the need for intensive research on available varieties. Prominent varieties such as Jambar F1, Red Passion F1, and others hold specific characteristics, making them suitable for different markets and preferences. Nursery Preparation: Tailoring Beds to Climate Conditions Adapting nursery beds to climate: Nursery preparation takes center stage after site selection and variety choice. The design of nursery beds depends on the region’s climate. Whether basinlike in hot and arid areas or raised in regions with lighter soils, the goal is to optimize water retention. Adequate preparation ensures optimal conditions for seedling development. Sowing Techniques: Maximizing Germination Rates Choosing the right sowing method: The method of sowing directly influences germination rates. Comparing the furrow method to broadcasting, the guide recommends the furrow method for higher germination rates. Incorporating DAP fertilizer, proper soil coverage, and mulching contribute to successful sowing. Watering frequency, adjusted according to sunlight intensity, is crucial for the initial six weeks. Onion Doctor’s Support: A Pillar for Farming Success Comprehensive support for smallholder farmers: Onion Doctor emerges as a steadfast ally for smallholder farmers across Africa. Providing quality and affordable onion and garlic seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation, and an array of support services, Onion Doctor is dedicated to optimizing yields and maximizing profits for farmers.

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. Unlocking the full potential of onion farming in Kenya begins with strategic planning and the right foundation. This comprehensive guide, in collaboration with Onion Doctor, outlines the essential steps from seed selection to nursery preparation, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Dive into the world of onion farming with insights tailored for Kenyan farmers. Setting the Stage: Choosing Quality Seeds from Onion Doctor Importance of quality seeds: To kickstart a successful onion farming venture, sourcing quality seeds or seedlings is paramount. Onion Doctor, a reliable partner for smallholder farmers, provides the foundation for robust onion crops. These seeds, carefully selected for their quality, set the stage for a thriving harvest. Nursery Bed Preparation: Nurturing Seeds for Growth Critical steps for bed preparation: Preparing a nursery bed is a vital phase in onion farming. The guide emphasizes selecting an ideal site, free of stones and with well-draining soils. It details the process of soil preparation, manure mixing, and raising the bed to optimize water drainage. The inclusion of watering techniques and mulching ensures optimal conditions for seed germination. Sowing Seeds: Ensuring Proper Spacing and Germination Best practices for sowing seeds: Precision in seed sowing is key to a successful onion crop. The guide instructs on creating shallow trenches, maintaining proper seed spacing, and covering the seeds adequately. It introduces mulching techniques and emphasizes the significance of consistent watering for optimal germination Seedling Care: From Germination to Transplanting Guidance on post-germination care: After successful germination, the guide advises removing the mulch, erecting a shade, and continuing regular watering. It provides insights into creating a suitable environment for the delicate shoots to thrive. The importance of monitoring weather conditions and implementing protective measures, such as polythene covers in cold areas, is highlighted. Onion seeds are sown on nursery beds to raise seedlings for transplanting in the field. Raised beds of size 3 x 0.6 m and 10-15 cm in height are prepared. About 70 cm distance is kept between two beds to carry out operations of watering, weeding, etc. The surface of beds should be smooth and well levelled. Raised beds are necessary to avoid problem of water logging in heavy soils. In sandy soils, however, sowing can be taken up in flat beds 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 onion farming in Kenya, where the humble onion becomes a powerhouse of health benefits, rich in antioxidant flavonoids. Join us as we explore the nuances of onion cultivation, varieties, planting processes, market trends, and more. With Onion Doctor by your side, this expert guide will equip you with the knowledge to thrive in the thriving onion farming landscape. Onion farming in Kenya: Types of Onions Planted There are six major types of onions that are planted in Kenyans farms. These onion varieties are settled upon by farmers based on the soil they have. And also the climate they experience in their localities. Among the six onion types planted in Kenya we have : Red Onions Yellow Onions White onions Sweet onions Shallots Scallions Red Onions The typical description of the red onion is a red outer cover with some purple traces. The inside part of this onion is white. This onion variety is the most farmed in Kenya and as such you will encounter it more in the market. The red onion can make great recipes for salads because of their strong smell and fine taste. Because of this quality, you are likely to get the red onion being used to make the popular Kenyan salad called ‘Kachumbari‘. Characteristics of the red onions They have a strong flavor that has some sweetness. It can be planted all year round. Kenya’s weather favors their minimal survival. Vary in different sizes and shapes at full maturity. Yellow Onions Now, these are the type of onions that are regarded as standard onion types. This means that they can go with almost everything on a normal basis. Yellow onions typically have mild or average effects and characteristics in terms of smell, taste and even sizes. Another distinction of the yellow onions is that they can be planted in almost any average weather across Kenya and have the ability to even do well there. This onion type should be cooked less than the average onion. Or better use a mild fire. Characteristics of the Yellow onions Have a mildly sweet taste Absorb water easily Are softer from the outside and can be pilled easily. White Onions When raw this type of onions is averagely sweeter. However, when worked upon through culinary techniques the white onion becomes sweeter. It is ideal for frying meat and making salads with a mild taste. Characteristics of White Onions They have thin skin and flesh. Exhibits strong taste. They are kinder warm when you feel them in your hands. Shallots They take the allium shape and might have a garlic taste by far. Shallots have a rich flavor and can be ideal for cooking seeds like beans and green grams. It is advised to apply a mild fire when cooking them. Scallions This type of onion variety can actually be eaten raw or cooked with stew or something else. They have leafy parts that are green. 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 a successful onion farming venture in Kenya requires meticulous soil preparation. This guide, in collaboration with Onion Doctor, is your key to achieving the perfect soil conditions for robust onion crops. Explore the nuances of soil types, when to prepare your soil, and expert-recommended techniques for optimal onion farming success. Timing is Everything: When to Prepare Your Soil for Onions Strategic planning for optimal results: Soil preparation isn’t bound by specific seasons; it can be undertaken when the ground is workable. This guide emphasizes that onions can be planted even in cooler temperatures. The key is to ensure your soil is in prime condition before planting, offering flexibility for farmers to plan their onion cultivation throughout the year. Soil Types Know your soil! All regions of the country are different, even from township to township. Onions grows best in a loamy, crumbly soil. Clay and silt soils are made of very small particles. They feel slick and sticky when wet. Clay and silt hold moisture well, but resist water infiltration, especially when they are dry. Often, puddles form on clay or silt soils and they easily become compacted. Loam is a mix of sand, silt or clay, and organic matter. Loam soils are loose and look dark and rich. When squeezed in your fist, moist loam will form a ball, which crumbles when poked with a finger. Loam soils normally absorb water and store moisture well. Loam soils can be sandy or clay-based, and will vary accordingly in moisture absorption and retention. Sandy soils contain large particles that are visible to the unaided eye, and are usually light in color. Sand feels coarse when wet or dry, and will not form a ball when squeezed in your fist. Sandy soils stay loose and allow moisture to penetrate easily, but do not retain it for long-term use. If your soil is so poor that it’s beyond amending, you can always create a raised bed. It can be any shape you like as long as it’s large enough to contain the number of onion sets you want to plant. The bed should be at least 6 inches deep. You can even plant onions in a container (use at least a 1-gallon size or larger) and locate the pot where it will receive sun exposure 6-8 hours each day. Container-growing is better suited to growing scallions (very young onions, also called green onions or spring onions) vs. full-sized bulbs. How To Prepare Your Soil Roots grow faster when they have ample room, and a larger root system means bigger onions! After you have amended the soil pH and/or any nutrient/mineral deficiencies (if needed), prepare the area in which you want to grow your onions. They will grow best in raised beds or raised rows at least 4? high and 20? wide. If you need to improve the soil in your planting bed, mix composted cow manure, garden compost or peat moss (up to 1/3 concentration) into the soil. Make sure the peat moss you get is either baled sphagnum or granular peat. You can also add our Coco-Fiber Potting Medium or 2 or more inches of organic material and evenly work it into your soil. Organic materials bind sandy soil particles so they retain moisture and nutrients better. They also break apart clay and silt particles, so that water can infiltrate and roots can spread. Your lawn can also provide you with ideal organic materials such as grass clippings (not treated with herbicides) and shredded leaves. Not only will the grass and leaves break down to provide soil nutrients, but they will help loosen the soil as well. You can gather these in the fall with spring planting in mind. Common soil amendments: Compost Sand Composted manure Lime Peat moss (either baled sphagnum or granular peat) 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. Explore the art of onion seed propagation with Onion Doctor, your reliable partner in maximizing yields for onion farming in Kenya. This comprehensive guide covers the essential steps in seedbed preparation, manure application, and meticulous management practices, ensuring a successful onion cultivation venture. Onion seed propagation is a process of planting onion seeds in your nursery and later transplanting them to the land. In a bid to acquire the best results, sow the onion seed in the nursery under a mulch cover. Mulch cover allows natural fertilization. Preparation Prepare raised beds in the nursery, the beds should be one metre wide. Raised seedbeds should help to reduce the possibility of the seeds being washed away by rain. “The seed bed’s width should be one metre and the length should be as long as you wish,. For good germination and stand establishment, the seedbed soil should be finely textured. “Let the soil be very fine. Pour your seed along the line, not very deep, but an inch deep. Manure Well decomposed compost and additional rock phosphate should be added in the soil. “Onion being a bulb crop, it does not require a lot of manure. If you put a lot of manure that is not well composed, it will rot. Management The first 10 days upon sowing are very critical. A farmer should work tooth and nail to ensure that the seedbed is irrigated thoroughly. You can irrigate using a sprinkler, a hosepipe or Drip. The best time to irrigate is in the morning and not during the heat of the day. This is to avoid water loss through evaporation caused by the heat of the sun. Amount of water required per day is about five to seven litres. Mulch cover can be removed after the seedlings started sprouting. Transplanting Wait until the seedlings are at the height of 15 centimeters and when the base is thick as a pencil. Seed burying should not be done more than one inch under the soil. Avoid putting the soil back around the seedling to create space for the emerging bulb. Watering should be observed as sweeter onions result from more water. When the weather is dry, increase the level of watering. 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 secrets to successful onion cultivation in Kenya with this comprehensive guide, crafted for both beginners and seasoned farmers. Partnering with Onion Doctor, we delve into the nuances of soil preparation, sowing techniques, and expert tips to ensure a bountiful onion harvest. Let’s cultivate excellence in onion farming together. Site Preparation If adding manure or composted organic matter then add a few weeks before sowing / planting out. You can tread the soil gently to firm it up a bit prior to sowing. Sowing Onion Seed & Planting Sets Onions can be planted from seed or from sets . Sets are more expensive but they tend to be more reliable in their results and also require less work – no thinning and reduced onion fly risk. If sowing from seed then sow in drills about 2cm deep with about 1 inch between seeds. If sowing in rows then space the rows about 30cm apart. The soil should be moist before sowing so check the soil the day before sowing and water if the soil is dry. Again space rows about 30cm apart. Sow sets around 10cm apart as they shouldn’t require any thinning. Dig a small hole for each set and place the set in neck upwards. When covered back up with soil the tip of the neck should just show through the soil surface. Spring onions (scallion) can be sown from April and planting should be staggered every few weeks to ensure a continuous crop throughout the growing season. Soil type Onions will grow in almost any soil from sandy loams to heavy clay. The soil should be firm. If your soil is heavy then you can introduce some organic compost or manure into the soil to help its moisture retaining properties. Onions prefer a slightly acidic soil – PH 5.5-6.5 is a good PH for growing onions. Planting Onion Sets Onions will need a realtively fertile soil with a good tilth and good dranage. If you have a heavy wet soil we recommend using riased beds to avoid potential disease caused by damp conditions. Avoid using fresh manure. Onions will enjoy a warm, sunny site. Growing onions from sets is much easier than growing from seed and perfect for the beginner. Onion sets are just small, immature onions from the previous year. Plant the onions from early March till the end of April. Red onions are more likely to bolt and a later April planting can reduce the chance of this happening.  Here are some tips to help you pick the best:  You don’t want any shoots, you might think you’re getting a head start but you’ll just get a very poor quality bulb.  Avoid any skinny looking ones.  Discard anything with mould or brown patches on the skin.  Any very big sets are more likely to run to seed.  Nice, tidy and round and oval bulbs will produce an excellent onion. Planting Push the sets about 1 cm into loose soil approx 10cm apart with 25cm between rows, leave about half of the onion showing above the soil. Birds seem to love pulling them out of the ground and scattering them round the garden. You can solve this by placing enviromesh or cloches over them for the first month which I strongly recommend. Firm the bed before planting either by standing on a timber plank of leaving the soil to settle a couple of weeks before planting. If the soil is very loose the roots don’t get a firm hold, the plant thinks it’s starving and can run to seed . If you want to be clever and save weeding later on you can plant through a sheet of black plastic. Spread the plastic over your prepared bed, make a hole just large enough for each set and just pop them in. Onion Crop Care Your onions should be well rooted now so it will be safe to remove the cloche. It is important to hoe regularly around the plants as onions don’t have foliage to suppress weeds. Take care when hoeing as onions have very shallow root systems and you may damage them with deep, vigorous strokes. Hoe regularily to control weeds and to stimulate the growth of the plant. One of the best gardening tools you’ll ever buy is the oscillating stirrup hoe. It’s a very effective old fashioned tool that really works properly. Hoeing not only removes the weeds but it also breaks up the surface of the soil and creates a fine texture or ’tilth’. A good tilth lets air and moisture in to the roots of your plants thus increasing their vigour. Watering and Mulching Onions If the sun is proving hot and dry keep your onions watered. Onions have a very shallow root system and so will dry out a lot quicker than other plants. This can cause the onions to mature early leaving you with small bulbs. When watering you are better to give the area a thorough soaking to a depth of 6 inches rather than watering all the time. Also it’s better to water early in the morning as midday irrigation can evaporate quickly. Evening watering will leave the plants cold and damp over night like going to bed in wet pyjamas! Mulching onions when the tops are 10 – 12 inches tall can also help as the mulch will retain moisture. Onion Flower Stems Break off any flower stems which may appear, this is the onion trying to bolt. A hard stem will be produced inside the onion making it unsuitable for storing. Breaking the stem off will not prevent this from happening

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 full potential of onion farming in Kenya with the guidance of Onion Doctor. From soil considerations to overcoming challenges, this guide equips you with essential insights for a successful onion harvest. Embrace the journey of year-round onion cultivation with optimal results through irrigation. Let’s explore the key elements that contribute to onion farming success in Kenya. Onions perform well in well drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils. The ideal pH is 5.8 to 6.8. Onion farming is a worthy venture since it’s possible to grow onions throughout the year via irrigation. Soil test with accredited laboratories is advised. The ideal temperatures onions need to grow are between 13 – 35 degrees centigrade. This means that onions can grow in most parts of Kenya. However, to maximize production in areas such as Ukambani and some parts in the Coastal area, one needs to invest in a greenhouse and drip irrigation. This is because greenhouses will optimize the temperatures since these areas are hot and irrigation will provide the much needed water. Onions are a cool season crop. Most areas in Ukambani and the Coastal region are extremely dry. In terms of requirements, apart from land that is an obvious fact, other requirements are DAP Fertilizer and seedlings. 1 kg of seedlings can be used in 1 acre while 20 grams of DAP Fertilizer is applied per square meter. You should note that there are different seed varieties and they perform differently under different conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1. The most popular seed variety in Kenya is the Red Coach F1 since it produces high yield and the size and color of its onions are most ideal for the Kenyan markets. Challenges facing Onion Farming in Kenya Rains or Excess Watering: Too much rains or excess watering can water log the crop. If the rain in your area is too much, focus on growing the crop during the short rains. You can also raise the beds to ensure the water flows out of the field. Avoid excessive watering of your onions. The best type of irrigation on onions is drip irrigation. Overhead irrigation should be avoided as it causes fungal diseases. Diseases: Common diseases that affect onions include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rots, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, and Rusts. . Pests: Common pests that attack onions include maggots, thrips, nematodes and the leaf miner.  Weeds: Weeds are a big challenge in onion farms. . Harvesting onions The best time to do the harvesting is during the dry season. Keep a calendar and record the essential dates to ensure you harvest at the right time. 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.