Onions

You can grow a large enough crop of onions to last the average family a year in a patch 4 to 5 metres long by 1 ½ metres. Onions will store well if they're grown and stored correctly.

I plant seedlings during winter but a lot of organic gardeners like to sow seeds direct. However, different varieties like different planting times so check the seed packet for planting recommendations.

Make a furrow in the planting position. Remove the seedlings from their growing container, gently shake of seed raising mix and trim the roots if they're excessively long. Separate the seedlings and place along the furrow with about 10cm to 15cm between seedlings. Rows should be about 30cm apart. Backfill lightly, covering the roots but not the white bulbous part at the base the stem, Water and wait.

If during the period before harvest, the stems begin to swell at the base, immediately bend the stems over. This should prevent your onions from going to seed. Weeds may also become a problem because you can't mulch up to onions. Regular cultivation with a hoe will solve this problem. Carrots are a good companion plant for the onion tribe.

Harvest onions in mid to late summer when the leaves have dried and collapsed. Leave them outside for a few days in a sheltered area, then rub of any dry soil and store by tying the leaves together and hanging them in a dry, cool place - maybe the shed or a dry cellar if you have one. I also store them in mesh bags if there are no leaves to tie.