The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-02-21
GrowingOnions.
TPhiladel phia Record.


Onions always 60 in the ground before any
other crop OF vegetables, and as the seed
should be sown sets planted as soon as the
pillow can be put to work, the time will soon
arrive when onion growers will be busy. In
New England onions are grown direct from
the seed, the crop being harvested as soon as
the tops begin to turn yellow, which is
usually about the latter part OF
August. In the neighborhood of Phila-
delphia onions are mostly grown from sets,
the crop maturing much earlier in conse-
quence, often getting into market in May.
Sets are grown by sowing the seeds very
thicklv in rows heclose crowding prevent
ing full growth. The sets are gathered when
the tops begin to turn, and slowed away for
planting the following spring. When it is
intended to grow onions from sets
the ground is marked off in rows
of convenient distance apart for cult
!. walton, the sets being placed in the rows by
pressing them in the earth little, leaving
the greater portion of the bulb uncovered,
| Those who grow large fields of onions are
not so particular, but scatter them thinly in
the rows and cover entirely. In gardens
they are place from three to four inches
part.
. The most important matter connected
with the grOETiug OF onions is the prepare
~tion OF the soil A very rich sandy loan i;
the bestsoil for onions, and clean cultiva
ton Is indispensable. Virgin or new soil
is considered excellent for their growth
provided it csn be placed in proper condi
ton. The kvst crop of onions should be
preceded by 'h0sd crop of some kind
beets, carrots, parsnips or cAbbages being
the best if the crops have been plentifully
and li5erally manfred. The object Of this
Is to rid the ground thoroughly of weeds
and grass before devoting 1T to onions. The
fall previous to sowing the onion seed the
the rough unba' ICED state for the frost tC
penetrate. Ear I'm the spring il should
be either cr 5<plowed or passed over
well with the 6ultivator following with
harrow fiR 0Ot a clod can be seen, tbs
object being to have the soil in the finest
possible condition. Sow the seed at the rate
of foUT poaDds to the acre, and use none
but the very best(( that sold by Philadelphia
lseedmen being considered superior to any
otherl, and 90 notuse.cheap or worthless
seed uncer as1y ciIcumstar ces. Sow in rows
covering with half an inch of earth, and
watch carefully that not a blade of gras:
gets the stsr<Of the onions. In fact, so care
ful are good growers in this respect
that the first working of the onion crop il
done By hand. the operators being on theiI
knees. Ii the crop is large the hoe will
most probab2g come into use as soon as the
hand working is over, and this mode of cul
tivation <hoeingD must be continued until
the crop is we'll and safely under Roadway
but the grouBd must always be kept clean
and we'll worked. Sets also require good
thorough cultivation in order to produce
well.
Onions can be grown on the-ssme location
consecutivsig for many years, but only by
the use OF plenty of good. well-rotted, fine
/ manure; and the yield varies from 800 tc
400 bushels per acre. The harvesting is done
by hand, and after they have been allowed
to sweat and dry in windows the onions are
stored In dry location, under saelte-, and
in such manner to admit of a circulation
kof air among them. If they become frozen
ndo not disturb them when in that state. bur
wait until they gradually thaw. The youne
plants are very hardy and endure TIE frost,
we'll. 1t requires quite severe degree Of
cold to ipjure them. They are a profitable
crop, but expensive to grow.