As the chill of December set in and garden across the land start to slow up down for winter , the veteran gardener knows that there ’s still act upon to be done . One vegetable that can thrive in the colder months is the humbleonion . Whether you ’re growing Allium cepa for a spring harvest or desire to get ahead for next class ’s garden , December is an fantabulous time to start preparing and found certain salmagundi of onions .

In this clause , we ’ll cover everything you need to make love about growing onions in December , include tips and advice on soil preparation , seed sowing , and how to care for onions during wintertime . By the time bound rolls around , you ’ll have strong , healthy onions well on their way to harvest .

Why Plant Onions in December?

December is typically go out as a muted month in the garden , but that does n’t mean it ’s clock time to terminate planting . In fact , onionsare an ideal crop for this meter of year because they are sturdy and can tolerate cooler temperatures . While many craw wo n’t survive winter frosts , onion plant can formulate impregnable root throughout the dusty month , educate them for vigorous growth in the leap .

By planting Allium cepa in December , you give them a head start , allow them to produce steady through wintertime . This other planting can lead to larger bulbs and an earlier harvest compared to leaping - constitute onion .

The Benefits of Planting Onions in December:

Choosing the Right Onion Varieties for December Planting

Not all onion plant are worthy for winter planting , so it ’s important to pick out smorgasbord that thrive in cool temperature . There are two main choice when planting onions in December : onion setsorseeds .

Onion Sets

Allium cepa sets are small , immature onion that can be planted directly into the ground . They are easier to implant and faster to senesce than seed , make them a great pick for winter growing . Sets are typically unfearing than seeds and more resistant to cold weather .

democratic onion plant set variety for December include :

Onion Seeds

If you opt uprise onion from seed , December is still a great time to bulge sowing indoors . Onions from seed will take longer to suppurate than solidification , but they can produce unattackable plant and larger bulbs in the prospicient run .

Good onion seed varieties for winter sowing let in :

When starting onion from seed , it ’s beneficial to sow in them in cum trays indoors , where you could contain the temperature and assure they get a strong jump before transpose them outdoors in early give .

Preparing the Soil for Winter Onion Planting

One of the most of import steps in grow onions in December is preparing the territory . onion flourish in loose , well - drained soil that is rich in nutrients . Because onion plant planted in wintertime will be in the ground for several month , it ’s essential to get the ground mightily from the first .

Steps for Preparing the Soil:

How to Plant Onions in December

Once your grime is prepared , it ’s time to constitute your onion plant lot or ejaculate . Here ’s a step - by - step guide to insure achiever :

Planting Onion Sets

Sowing Onion Seeds Indoors

Caring for Onions Through Winter

wintertime onion take minimal precaution , but there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure they produce well throughout the colder months .

Watering

Onions need consistent wet , but in winter , overwatering can lead to rot . Monitor the soil and only water when it becomes dry to the touch . If you be in an area with fleshy wintertime rainfall , ensure your soil is well - drain to avoid waterlogging .

Mulching

To protect your onions from extreme cold and fluctuating temperatures , consider contribute a layer of mulch around the plants . mulch with stubble or compost helps insulate the soil , maintain it warmer during icy periods .

Frost Protection

While Allium cepa are hardy and can tolerate Robert Frost , hard cold snaps can still damage new plants . If you ’re expecting extreme Robert Lee Frost , you could cover your onions with garden wool or cloches for add aegis .

Pests and Diseases

Onions are mostly low - maintenance and suffer from few pests during wintertime . However , be on the lookout for common issues such as :

Harvesting Winter Onions

Onions planted in December will be ready for crop by early to mid - summer , depending on the diversity . You ’ll recognize they ’re quick when the tops of the plants start to yellow and hang over . At this point , break off watering and set aside the onions to dry in the soil for a few days before harvest home .

Once harvested , onion should be depart to dry out in a warm , well - ventilate field for a workweek or two . Properly cure Allium cepa can be stored for several months in a cool , dry space .

Conclusion

Plantingonions in Decemberis a large way to get a pass embark on on your gardening season . By choosing hardy varieties , develop the dirt properly , and providing the right care through wintertime , you ’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest time come summertime . onion are a resilient and rewarding craw , perfect for gardeners looking to make the most of their wintertime growing time of year .

Whether you ’re using onion plant sets or seeds , stick with the tips in this guide to guarantee your Allium cepa grow firm and salubrious , and you ’ll savor delicious homegrown onions all twelvemonth round .

Find out more things you could grow in Decemberhere

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