Onion Investigatory Project

The botanical name of onion is Allium cepa and it falls under the Vegetable pant type

USDA Hardiness Zones ( is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location) are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of onion. As we have found that onion can be grown in any soil type but loamy soil is preferred and the soil pH should be neutral. Onions are a cold-season crop, easy to grow because of their hardiness.

We found that in Apsinga the farmers practice the onion sets during planting which save the onion from frost damage and have the higher success rate than direct seed or transplant. Onions grow well on raised beds or raised rows at least 4 inches high.

Planting

The planting location is to be full of sun where onions won't be shaded by other plants.

Fertilizing is to be cease when the onions push the soil away and the bulbing process is started. The bulb needs to emerge above the soil so it should be taken care that the soil is not put back on the onion.

Generally, onions do not need consistent watering if mulch is used. About one inch of water per week (including rain water) is sufficient. If anybody want sweeter onions than water is to be given more. Onions looks healthy even if they are bone dry so one must be sure to water during drought conditions. It is to be make sure that soil is well-drained. Mulch helps to retain moisture and stifle weeds. Cut or pull any onions that send up flower stalks as this means that the onions have "bolted" and are done.

Pests

To control thrips (tiny insects about as fat as a sewing needle) take a dark piece of paper into the garden and knock the onion tops against it; if thrips are present, one can spot their tan-colored bodies on the paper. A couple of treatments with insecticidal soap kills them. One need to follow the package directions. Spray the plants twice, three days apart, and the thrips will