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. Garlic farming in Kenya offers numerous health benefits and economic opportunities. Discover essential tips and techniques for successful garlic cultivation, supported by Onion Doctor’s expertise. Health Benefits of Garlic Garlic boasts several health benefits, including boosting the immune system, promoting cardiovascular health, acting as an antioxidant, and reducing cholesterol levels. Garlic Varieties In Kenya, garlic varieties are categorized into soft neck and hard neck types. Common soft neck varieties include Africa giant, Arusha giant, and Rwanda giant, available in various colors from white to purple. Growing Regions Garlic thrives in regions with low humidity, moderate rainfall, and consistent temperatures. Ideal growing regions in Kenya include Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, and more, spanning from highlands to lowlands. Ecological Conditions Garlic flourishes in moderate climates with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C, moderate rainfall, and well-drained fertile soil rich in organic matter. Soil testing is recommended to ensure optimal conditions for garlic cultivation. Seed Propagation Garlic is propagated from certified seed cloves obtained from local agrovet stores. Planting cloves directly into well-prepared soil ensures resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to successful garlic farming. Field Preparation and Planting Prepare the field by plowing and harrowing, followed by broadcasting manure and creating ditches for planting cloves. Proper spacing ensures optimal growth, with watering and mulching essential for germination and weed control. Manure and Fertilizers Application Organic manure and foliar fertilizers are applied to provide essential nutrients for garlic growth and bulb development. Regular application at specific intervals contributes to healthy plant growth. Irrigation, Mulching, and Weeding Drip irrigation is recommended for garlic farming to ensure adequate water supply and minimize moisture loss. Mulching with dry leaves or grass helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth, while frequent weeding ensures optimal plant health. Pests and Diseases Management Garlic’s pungent smell acts as a natural repellent against pests and diseases, but common issues include red ants, thrips, and aphids, as well as diseases like leaf rust and white rot. Proper field sanitation and organic pest control methods are crucial for pest and disease management. Harvesting and Post-Harvesting Garlic is ready for harvest after approximately four months when the leaves turn brown. Careful harvesting and curing in a warm, dry place for one month ensure optimal shelf life and quality. Well-cured garlic can be graded and transported to market for sale. Onion Doctor Support Onion Doctor provides comprehensive support for garlic farmers in Africa, offering quality seedlings, farm planning services, soil testing, drip irrigation installation, agronomic support, and more. Partner with Onion Doctor to optimize yields and maximize profits in garlic 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 benefits of drip irrigation in onion farming in Kenya, explained by Onion Doctor. Learn about drip irrigation components, appropriate layouts, planting techniques, and irrigation schedules for optimal onion yield. In Kenya, onion farming thrives with modern irrigation methods like drip irrigation. Onion Doctor provides insights into why drip irrigation is crucial for maximizing onion yield and quality. Benefits of Drip Irrigation in Onion Farming Drip irrigation offers several advantages for onion cultivation: Water Efficiency: Drip irrigation enhances water efficiency by precisely wetting the onion root zones, reducing weed growth, and ensuring optimal water supply during critical growth stages. Soil Health: It helps maintain soil moisture, temperature, pH, and fertility, preventing erosion and humus removal. Labor Savings: With low labor requirements, drip irrigation minimizes the need for manual water distribution, reducing operational costs. Increased Yield: By providing optimal water and temperature conditions, drip irrigation promotes healthy onion growth, resulting in higher yields. Bulb Protection: Unlike other irrigation methods, drip irrigation minimizes exposure of onion bulbs and roots to high-pressure water, reducing the risk of damage. Fertilizer Distribution: Drip irrigation facilitates uniform distribution of fertilizers directly to the plants, enhancing nutrient uptake and growth. Components of Onion Drip Irrigation System To set up an efficient onion drip irrigation system, you’ll need: HDPE or PVC pipes Drip emitters (15 cm spacing) Water tank Ball valves Connectors Filters Appropriate Onion Drip Layout Prepare beds spaced 1 meter apart, with footpaths for plant inspection, spraying, and harvesting. Use 3 drip lines per bed, spaced uniformly at least 30 cm apart, matching plant spacing. Opt for 15 cm drip emitter spacing for optimal irrigation. Planting and Transplanting Onions Plant onion cloves before the onset of rains or drip irrigation installation to enhance soil warmth for shoot development. During transplanting, ensure careful uprooting to prevent root damage, spacing seedlings 10 cm apart for higher yields. Irrigation Schedule Germination Stage: Irrigate daily, up to 2 times a day. Leaf Development: Increase irrigation frequency as bulbs start forming, ensuring sufficient water and sunlight. Maturation: Irrigate at least 4 times a week until 3 weeks before harvest, when leaves begin drying. Onion Doctor’s Support Onion Doctor offers comprehensive support for smallholder farmers in Africa, including quality seedlings, drip irrigation installation, agronomic guidance, and farm management services. With Onion Doctor, farmers can optimize yields and maximize profits in onion farming. By embracing drip irrigation and leveraging Onion Doctor’s expertise, onion farmers in Kenya can enhance productivity, conserve resources, and achieve sustainable agricultural success.
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. The onion ( from Latin cepa “onion”), also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable and is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the garlic, shallot, leek, and chive. The onion plant has a fan of hollow, bluish-green leaves and its bulb at the base of the plant begins to swell when a certain day-length is reached. The bulbs are composed of shortened, compressed, underground stems surrounded by fleshy modified scale (leaves) that envelop a central bud at the tip of the stem. Major types of onions farmed in Kenya are bulb onions and spring onions, Bulb onions; take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity. Short rains are great for bulb onions since they can be harvested between January and February. After the long rains of March, the price of these onions hike and farmers who harvest after these period make good profit margins. Spring onions; are easy to plant, you can even plant them at your kitchen garden. They are commonly used in vegetable salads or as seasoning in soups. Some of the health benefits of spring onions include lower blood sugar and decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Of the two types, bulb onions are more popular than the spring ones due to their long shelf life and sweet taste. Currently, there are two different varieties of bulb onions in the market. There is the small, thin and firmly layered onion that has a strong pungent smell from Tanzania. The second one is the big loosely held variety that is grown locally, in Kenya. Onions are categorized according to the color, size and shape. Onions can be harvested while still young; there is a perennial type of onion which is rarely attacked by insects or diseases. The onions can be planted by direct seed or by transplanting. The seedling stage requires planting of seedling in a seedling bed, the soil of the bed should be loose which takes 6 weeks for them to be ready for transplant. Transplanting method has a higher rate of succeeding than direct seeds; onions grow well in raised beds or rows at least 4 inches high, the onion should go 4 inches deep only a third of the bulb should be underground, if the onion is deeply planted the growth of the bulb will be restricted. The width between each onion should be 5 inches; the rows should be 12 to 17 inches apart. Select an open garden when planting to avoid being shaded by other plants. The soil should be loose and rich in nitrogen, compact and hard soil will interfere with bulb development, mix the soil with some nitrogen fertilizer at the time of planting, side dress the onion after every two weeks, make sure you repeat the dressing after every two weeks until the onion starts to bulb. How to Plant: To get the best results with onions you need to start them in a Nursery. Here is how to do this; Make a raised nursery bed 1 metre wide and any desired length. Apply well decomposed manure at a rate of 15kg per square metre. Mix and Apply DAP fertilizer at a rate of 20 grams per metre square Make shallow furrows 15 cm apart. Mix the seeds with dry ash, sand or soil at a ratio of 1:3 to help spread the small seeds. Plant the seeds and cover lightly with soil and apply mulches ( Grass or Polythene cover spread over the soil on the nursery bed) After planting irrigate the nursery bed liberally for the first 10 days and continue watering regularly. Germination of seeds will take about 7-10 days after which the mulches are removed and used to make a shade above the tender plants which have not fully developed. Transplanting of the seedlings takes place 6 weeks after planting seeds in the nursery. Transplant when the seedlings have pencil thick base and a height of approximately 15cm. Seedlings should have 3 to 5 well formed leaves at transplanting time. Two weeks before transplanting reduce the shade to improve seedling survival rate in the field. It takes about 4 months for onions to mature 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. 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. 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 Creole, Red Pinnoy, Jambar 1 and Red Bombay. The most popular seed variety in Kenya is the Jambar F1 since it produces high yield and the size of its onions are bigger. 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
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 of greenhouse onion farming with Onion Doctor, your premier partner for agricultural excellence in Kenya. Dive into the world of polythene-sheeted structures and discover how to optimize onion growth for maximum yields and profitability. This comprehensive guide, infused with keywords like “Onion farming in Kenya” and “Onion Doctor,” will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in greenhouse onion cultivation. THE BENEFITS OF GROWING CROPS IN A GREENHOUSE Over time, farmers have come to realize that there are plenty of benefits of growing plants in a greenhouse, especially with the uncertainty in climate change lately. However, before you carry out your greenhouse farming in Kenya, you have to conduct adequate research to ensure that you will reap some of the following benefits. A greenhouse delivers an extended growing season There are consistency and reliability in food production You can plant a variety of crops in a greenhouse It allows you to control the growth environment, humidity levels, and soil easily A greenhouse makes it easy for you to control insect and animal infestation Factors to consider for greenhouse onion farming The variety of the onion crop. The climatic conditions of the onions. Agronomist practices required by onions. Irrigation method. Availability of the market. Pests and disease management The variety of onions The variety of onions depends mainly on the type of climatic and the soil factors. The commonly used varieties may include; Neptune F1 variety Bombay red. Red coach F1 Russet F1 Quantifying onion seed for greenhouse onion farming Quantifying seed required for planting depends on land availability by the farmer. The standard seed required by a greenhouse of 8 meters by 30 meters is approximately 250mg. This quantity is good enough to plants six beds of one meter each with a running length of 30 meters. The numbers of seedlings that can accommodate in a single bay of a greenhouse is roughly 50,000 seedlings thus the 3 months output in terms of kilogram are 3000kgs-5000kgs. These kilograms when translated into Kenyan shillings per kilograms comes to about ksh150, 000 to ksh250, 000 Irrigation methods of greenhouse onion farming Drip irrigation system The commonly used method of irrigation of onion farming is the drip irrigation. Drip irrigation system commonly used for onion farming are drip line of 10 centimetres, 15 centimetres and 20 centimetres. These spacing dictate the onion spacing along the rows and the column. The GAP ( Good Agricultural Practices) in Kenya recommends these spacing from plant to plant and 30 centimetres from one line to another. Benefits of best drip irrigation system The drip irrigation system is the most efficient method of irrigation. Through emitters, water is directly delivered to the plant root zone hence economical on water usage. In the best drip irrigation system, there is a constant benefit of water supply in small quantities to the plants. This creates an ideal moist condition for proper growth of most plants. The best drip irrigation system minimizes weed growth since water is only supplied to a particular crop root. The best drip irrigation system helps in the control of fungal diseases which grow very fast under moist conditions. Timeliness and labor-saving. In the best drip irrigation system, the control valves can be managed by one personnel. One person operates the whole system thus minimizing the labor costs. This minimizes production cost. Ease in fertilizer application. , method of liquid fertilizer application (Fertigation) is very easy and fast. Since water emitters are used to directly distribute fertilizers to particular crop/plants Disease and pest management and agronomy practices Thrips are tiny insects that have onions as most preferred host crop on hot and dry weather conditions. They feed by sucking the plant sap hence opening the onions to attack by diseases like purple blotch. They mostly cause great damage to younger onions when bulbs are forming than older ones hence control measures should be undertaken during early stages of growth. Thrips can cause economic loss by reducing yields by up to 60% if not controlled timely. Symptoms: They cause silvery streaks or patches on the leaves while severe infestation and feeding can result in minute black “tar” like sports on leaves. Younger plant leaves show brown tips and eventually a white color as a result of feeding by thrips. This reduces ability of plants to make food thus resulting in small undeveloped bulbs. The presence of thrips can also be indicated by the black dotted patches of thrips fecal materials produced during their feeding on the onion plant. 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.
GARLIC FARMING IN KENYA 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. Garlic farming in Kenya may be successful if done right. Garlic famously known as “kitungu saumu” in Kenya is a valuable horticulture plant due to its excellent yields and great demands in the Kenyan market. Despite of its odor, its applicable in the production of specific cuisines, not just in Kenya but also in a wide range, therefore giving It high demand both locally and internationally. It’s also medicinal. Importance of Garlic in Kenya. Boosts immune system, assist the body in fighting various bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Considered as a significant anti-oxidant. It is mostly used as a spice while making dishes such as Pilau, beef stew, dawa etc. Garlic Varieties grown in Kenya. Soft-neck garlic Mostly grown in Kenya, it’s a paper like skin and its white, fairly strong taste. We supply seedlings for soft-neck varieties such as Rhino, Arusha and Moyale. Hard-neck garlic Characterizes with tan and purple markings, produces bigger and fewer cloves on each head. Does not store well long durations like soft-neck garlic. We supply seedlings for hard-neck varieties such as Rwandan Giant variety. How to grow garlic The farmer needs to know local seeds kind, soil appropriateness, and suitable climate conditions for the crop. Seeds A farmer should purchase quality sprouted garlic cloves from a certified propagator. An acre of garlic requires 250-300 kgs of seed depending on variety and irrigation method, which in turn yields 3-6 tonnes. We supply these cloves at competitive prices. Climatic conditions Garlic farming performs well in medium to high attitudes of 500- 2000 Meters above sea level. Additionally, garlic requires high temperatures of 30ºC to aid in proper bulb development. However, during the preliminary stages, cooler temperatures are preferred as they assist in vegetative growth needed for plant establishment. For this reason, ideal temperatures for growing garlic range between 12- 24ºC. thus, it can be grown in most areas in Kenya.It is worth noting that excess rains and humidity is bad for garlic’s vegetative growth as well as bulb formation and as such the crop will perform well in areas with low rainfall possibly substituted with irrigation during the initial phase when water requirement is utmost. Soils Garlic planting needs a ground with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.8. For this reason, garlic growing is suitable in most Kenyan soils provided that they are well drained this is because the crop performs poorly in water-logged soils. Furthermore, you need to ensure that the soil is well prepared with loose and airy depths of up to 6 – 8 inches and needs to be dry and without any rocks and plants debris. To ensure optimum yield, mix the soil with organic manure before plowing as this will facilitate improved bulb formation. Actual planting and spacing Ideal spacing for growing garlic is 8cm between plants and 30cm between rows. When using drip irrigation, the drips should be 30cm apart with a15cm emitter spacing, while using basin irrigation, the cloves should be planted inside the basin with a spacing of 8cm between plants and 30cm between rows. Ensure that you have planted the roots facing inside the soil and the shot should be slightly above the ground. Watering When irrigating, 1 inch of water is adequate Common pest and diseases Harvesting and storing Garlic should never be harvested too early or late as it will interfere with the quality of the produce. To know the right time to harvest, one must monitor the growing months for roughly around 4 to 6 months. Knowing the exact harvesting time is somewhat tricky since the heads of the garlic submerge in the soil, and also different varieties have varying maturity period. As such, you should inspect the foliage and observe whether it has turned brown and died back as a guide for harvesting. After digging out the crops, bundle them in tens or fifteens and leave them to dry in a well-ventilated room. Keep them there for three to four weeks after which its shoots and roots will have dried down. Cut down the tops about one inch above the main bulb and roots followed by removal of outer skin without removing exposing the cloves. Clean off any remaining soil, and your bulbs are ready for sale. 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. The major types of onions farmed in Kenya are bulb onions and spring onions. The best areas suited for farming include Karatina, Oloitoktok, Naivasha, Kieni, Emali, and Mai Mahiu. Bulb onions take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity. Short rains are great for bulb onions since they can be harvested between January and February. Local farmers benefit during this period due to low onion supply from Tanzania, leading to higher prices post-harvest after the long rains in March. Spring onions are easy to plant and can be grown even in kitchen gardens. They are commonly used in vegetable salads or as seasoning in soups. Some health benefits of spring onions include lowering blood sugar and decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Of the two types, bulb onions are more popular due to their long shelf life and sweet taste. Currently, there are two varieties of bulb onions in the market: the small, thin, and firmly layered onion from Tanzania with a strong pungent smell, and the big, loosely held variety grown locally in Kenya. Conditions for Onion Farming Onions perform well in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils with an ideal pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Onion farming is a worthy venture since it’s possible to grow onions throughout the year via irrigation. Soil testing with accredited laboratories is advised. Optimal temperatures for onion growth are between 13 to 35 degrees Celsius, allowing cultivation in most parts of Kenya. However, to maximize production in areas such as Ukambani and parts of the Coastal region, investment in greenhouses and drip irrigation is necessary. Greenhouses optimize temperatures, and irrigation provides the much-needed water. Onions are a cool-season crop, and most areas in Ukambani and the Coastal region are extremely dry. Essential requirements include land, DAP fertilizer, and seedlings. One kilogram of seedlings can be used per acre, while 20 grams of DAP fertilizer is applied per square meter. Different seed varieties perform differently under various conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1, with Red Coach F1 being the most popular due to its high yield and the size and color of its onions, which are ideal for the Kenyan markets. Challenges Facing Onion Farming in Kenya Excessive Rainfall or Watering: Heavy rainfall or excessive watering can lead to waterlogging. Focus on cultivating during short rains or raising beds to ensure proper drainage. Drip irrigation is recommended to prevent fungal diseases associated with overhead watering. Diseases: Common diseases affecting onions include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rots, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, and Rusts. Use effective fungicides to combat these diseases. Pests: Common pests that attack onions include maggots, thrips, nematodes, and leaf miners. Employ quality pesticides to manage pest infestations. Weeds: Weed control is crucial in onion farming. Weeds are a big challenge and should be managed effectively. Optimizing Drip Irrigation for Onion Farming Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to water onion crops, ensuring consistent moisture levels while preventing fungal diseases. Here are some tips to optimize drip irrigation for your onion farm: Design a Proper Layout: Ensure your drip irrigation system is well-designed with emitters placed close to the base of each onion plant for efficient water delivery. Use Pressure Regulators: Maintain consistent water pressure to ensure even distribution across your field. Schedule Irrigation: Water onions early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and water loss. Monitor Soil Moisture: Use soil moisture sensors to avoid over or under-watering. Regular Maintenance: Check for clogs and leaks in the drip lines regularly to ensure the system operates efficiently. Fertilizer Application: Use fertigation (applying fertilizer through the irrigation system) to provide nutrients directly to the root zone, enhancing growth and yield. Harvesting Onions The best time to harvest onions is during the dry season. Keep a calendar and record essential dates to ensure timely harvesting. Bulb onions are ready for harvest 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. Harvest by pulling the bulbs and chopping off the leaves. Dry the bulbs in the sun before storing the produce. Support from Onion Doctor Onion Doctor supports smallholder 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 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. Spring onions are easy to plant and can be grown even in kitchen gardens. They are commonly used in vegetable salads or as seasoning in soups. Some health benefits of spring onions include lowering blood sugar and decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Of the two types, bulb onions are more popular due to their long shelf life and sweet taste. Currently, there are two varieties of bulb onions in the market: the small, thin, and firmly layered onion from Tanzania with a strong pungent smell, and the big, loosely held variety grown locally in Kenya. The best areas suited for farming include Karatina, Oloitoktok, Naivasha, Kieni, Emali, and Mai Mahiu. Bulb onions take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity. Conditions for Onion Farming Onions perform well in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils with an ideal pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Onion farming is a worthy venture since it’s possible to grow onions throughout the year via irrigation. Soil testing with accredited laboratories is advised. Optimal temperatures for onion growth are between 13 to 35 degrees Celsius, allowing cultivation in most parts of Kenya. However, to maximize production in areas such as Ukambani and parts of the Coastal region, investment in greenhouses and drip irrigation is necessary. Greenhouses optimize temperatures, and irrigation provides the much-needed water. Onions are a cool-season crop, and most areas in Ukambani and the Coastal region are extremely dry. Essential requirements include land, DAP fertilizer, and seedlings. One kilogram of seedlings can be used per acre, while 20 grams of DAP fertilizer is applied per square meter. Different seed varieties perform differently under various conditions. Common hybrid varieties available in Kenya include Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1, with Red Coach F1 being the most popular due to its high yield and the size and color of its onions, which are ideal for the Kenyan markets. Challenges Facing Onion Farming in Kenya Excessive Rainfall or Watering: Heavy rainfall or excessive watering can lead to waterlogging. Focus on cultivating during short rains or raising beds to ensure proper drainage. Drip irrigation is recommended to prevent fungal diseases associated with overhead watering. Diseases: Common diseases affecting onions include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rots, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, and Rusts. Use effective fungicides to combat these diseases. Pests: Common pests that attack onions include maggots, thrips, nematodes, and leaf miners. Employ quality pesticides to manage pest infestations. Weeds: Weed control is crucial in onion farming. Weeds are a big challenge and should be managed effectively. Harvesting Onions The best time to harvest onions is during the dry season. Keep a calendar and record essential dates to ensure timely harvesting. Bulb onions are ready for harvest 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. Harvest by pulling the bulbs and chopping off the leaves. Dry the bulbs in the sun before storing the produce. Support from Onion Doctor Onion Doctor supports smallholder 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 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. Onions thrive in well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Throughout the year, onion cultivation is viable through irrigation, although soil testing by accredited laboratories is recommended. Optimal temperatures for onion growth range from 13 to 35 degrees Celsius, allowing cultivation in most parts of Kenya. However, to enhance production in hotter regions like Ukambani and certain coastal areas, investing in greenhouses and drip irrigation is advisable to regulate temperatures and provide necessary water. Despite being a cool-season crop, Ukambani and coastal areas experience extreme dryness. Essential requirements include land, DAP fertilizer, and seedlings. One kilogram of seedlings per acre and 20 grams of DAP fertilizer per square meter are recommended. Different seed varieties perform differently under varying conditions. Popular hybrid varieties in Kenya include Red Coach F1 and Malbec F1, with Red Coach F1 being favoured for its high yield and ideal size and colour for local markets. Challenges in Onion Farming: Excessive Rainfall or Watering: Heavy rainfall or excessive watering can lead to waterlogging. Focus on cultivating during the short rains or raising beds to ensure proper drainage. Drip irrigation is recommended to prevent fungal diseases associated with overhead watering. Diseases: Common onion diseases include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rots, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, and Rusts. Utilize effective fungicides to combat these diseases. Pests: Maggots, thrips, nematodes, and leaf miners are common onion pests. Employ quality pesticides to manage pest infestations. Weeds: Weed control is crucial in onion farming. Use Commander 240EC herbicide to eradicate weeds (both grass and broadleaves) 10-14 days after transplanting until harvest. Harvesting Onions: Harvest during the dry season when bulbs form a shiny membranous cover or when foliage withers. Bulb onions are ready for harvest at this stage. Spring onions are ready when they reach 15 centimetres in height and 1.5 centimetres in thickness. Harvest by pulling bulbs and cutting off leaves. Sun-dry bulbs before storage. Keeping a calendar to record essential dates ensures timely harvesting. Support from Onion Doctor: Onion Doctor supports smallholder 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 yields and maximize profits. For more information and support, contact Onion Doctor today!
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. An Expert Guide to Onion Farming in Kenya by Onion Doctor There are two main types of onions grown in Kenya: bulb onions and spring onions. The best-suited areas to grow onions include Nyeri, Nakuru, Narok, Maimahiu, Kieni, and Nyandarua. Bulb Onions: Maturity: Bulb onions take 3 to 4 months to reach maturity. Harvest Time: Short rains are ideal for bulb onions as they can be harvested between January and February. During this period, local farmers benefit due to the low supply of onions from Tanzania. After the long rains of March, the prices of these onions increase, providing farmers who harvest after this period with good profit margins. Spring Onions: Ease of Planting: Spring onions are easy to plant and can even be grown in a kitchen garden. Uses: Commonly used in vegetable salads or as seasoning in soups. Health Benefits: Include lowering blood sugar and decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Varieties of Bulb Onions: Imported Variety: Small, thin, and firmly layered onions with a strong pungent smell from Tanzania. Local Variety: Big, loosely held onions grown locally in Kenya. Challenges Facing Onion Farming in Kenya: Rains or Excess Watering: Impact: Too much rain or excess watering can waterlog the crop. Solution: Focus on growing during the short rains, raise beds for better drainage, and avoid excessive watering. Drip irrigation is the best method for onions, while overhead irrigation should be avoided as it causes fungal diseases. Diseases: Common diseases include Downy Mildew, Bacterial Soft Rots, Pink/White Root, Botrytis, and Rusts. Control: Use herbicides to manage these diseases. Pests: Common pests include maggots, thrips, nematodes, and the leaf miner. Control: Use pesticides from accredited brands. Weeds: Impact: Weeds compete for nutrients, light, and space and can harbor pests and diseases. Control: Remove weeds physically or use herbicides. Conduct 2-3 weeding sessions per season. Conditions for Onion Farming: Soil: Well-drained, fertile, sandy loam, non-compacted soils with a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. Climate: Ideal temperatures range between 13 – 35 degrees centigrade, making most parts of Kenya suitable. In hotter regions like Ukambani and some coastal areas, investing in a greenhouse and drip irrigation is necessary. Planting Onions from Seeds: Nursery Bed Preparation: Make a raised nursery bed 1m wide and of any desired length. Apply well-decomposed manure at 15kg per square meter and mix with DAP fertilizer at 20 grams per square meter. Make shallow furrows 15cm apart, mix the seeds with dry ash, sand, or soil at a ratio of 1:3, plant the seeds, cover lightly with soil, and apply mulch. After planting, irrigate liberally for the first 10 days and continue watering regularly. Transplanting: Transplant seedlings 6 weeks after planting when they have a pencil-thick base, a height of approximately 15cm, and 3-5 well-formed leaves. Two weeks before transplanting, reduce shade to improve seedling survival in the field. Harvesting Onions: Timing: The best time for harvesting is during the dry season. Record essential dates to ensure timely harvesting. Bulb Onions: Ready for harvesting once they form a shiny membranous cover around the bulbs or when the foliage withers. Spring Onions: Ready for harvesting when they are 15 centimeters tall and 1.5 centimeters thick. Process: Harvest by pulling the bulbs, chopping off the leaves, and drying the bulbs in the sun before storing. Onion Doctor: Supporting 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 pack, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training 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. Planting Onions Onion Seedlings: Onion seedlings are first established in a nursery. Preparation of the nursery is done as follows: Make a raised nursery bed 1 meter wide and any desired length. Apply well-decomposed manure at a rate of 15 kg per square meter. Mix DAP at a rate of 20g per square meter. Make shallow furrows 15cm apart and mix the seeds with sand to help spread the seeds. Drill the seeds and cover lightly with soil, then apply mulch. After drilling the seeds, mix 10g of Loyalty, 100g of Pyramid, and 20mls of Optimizer with water, and apply the solution in the nursery. This mixture helps control early pests and diseases and also breaks the seed dormancy. Transplanting: Transplanting is done 6 weeks after germination. Transplant the seedlings when they have a pencil-size thickness and are 15cm in length. The seedlings should also have 3-5 well-formed leaves. Weed Control: Keep the onion field free from weeds as they act as alternate hosts for pests and diseases and compete for nutrients. Chemical control of weeds is the most ideal method in an onion field. This is done by applying a selective herbicide known as Commander two weeks after transplanting. Once sprayed, the herbicide will kill all the weeds that have already germinated and also suppress further germination of weeds. Pests and Diseases Management Thrips: Thrips suck sap from the onion crop. Attacked leaves turn silvery white and affect bulb formation. Control: Alternate Profile and Alonze at the rate of 30mls/20 liters and 5mls/20 liters respectively. Leaf-Eating Caterpillar: Control: Alternate Escort and Profile at the rate of 30mls and 10mls per knapsack respectively. Diseases: 1) Downy Mildew: Affected leaves turn yellow and die from the tip downwards. Control: Alternate Absolute with Fortress Gold at the rate of 10g and 50g per knapsack respectively. 2) Purple Blotch: Characterized by water-soaked lesions on the leaves that quickly develop with white centers. Control: Spray Tower/Fortress Gold at the rate of 50g per knapsack. 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 pack, farm management, e-extension, and on-farm training for farmers to optimize yields and achieve maximum profits.