Onions are a kitchen staple and surprisingly easy to grow at home. They come in three main types — short-day, long-day, and day-neutral — and choosing the right one for your climate is the key to a successful harvest.
Long-day varieties are best for northern regions with long summer days, while short-day varieties thrive in the south. Day-neutral varieties perform well almost anywhere and are a safe choice for beginners.
You can grow onions from seeds, sets (small dormant bulbs), or transplants. Sets are the easiest for beginners — simply push them into prepared soil about 2 cm deep and 10 cm apart in early spring.
Keep onions well-weeded, as they do not compete well with other plants. Water consistently but avoid overwatering, and stop watering once the tops begin to fall over and turn brown.
Harvest when most of the tops have fallen over, then lay the onions out to dry in a warm, airy spot for a week or two. Once cured, store in a cool, dry place and enjoy your homegrown onions for months.