Spring is in the air, and there's something deeply satisfying about growing onions from seed. Today, I'm sharing my tried-and-true methods for starting these kitchen garden staples.

When to Start
The key to successful onion growing is timing. Start your seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Here in my garden, I typically begin in late January or early February for a spring planting.

Preparing Your Soil Mix

I've learned that onions thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. I create a mix using:

- Three parts quality potting soil

- One part aged compost

- A sprinkle of balanced organic fertilizer

Sowing the Seeds
Here's my foolproof method:
Fill seed trays or containers (at least 2 inches deep) with your soil mix, leaving a half-inch at the top. Make shallow furrows about ¼ inch deep. Space seeds roughly ½ inch apart – don't worry if they're not perfect. Cover lightly with soil and mist gently with water.

The Critical Care Period
Maintain soil temperature between 65-70°F for optimal germination. I place my trays under grow lights or in a sunny south-facing window. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. You should see sprouts within 7-10 days.

Transplanting Tips
Once your seedlings reach about 5-6 inches tall, they're ready for hardening off. I gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting into the garden. Space plants 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake I see new gardeners make is planting too deep. Onion seeds are tiny and delicate – a light soil covering is all they need. Also, resist the urge to overwater; damp soil is good, soggy soil spells disaster.

With proper care, you'll be harvesting your own homegrown onions in about 100-175 days, depending on the variety. Nothing beats the flavor of freshly pulled onions from your own garden!

Would you like me to expand on any particular aspect of onion growing? 

Are you tired of constantly buying green onions only to use them once and throw away the roots? What if I told you those roots could become an endless supply of fresh herbs? This simple kitchen gardening hack will transform your cooking game while helping you save money and reduce food waste.

Why Regrow Green Onions?

• Save money on weekly grocery bills

• Always have fresh herbs on hand

• Reduce kitchen waste

• Perfect for small-space gardening

• No special equipment needed

What You'll Need:

- Store-bought green onions

- Clear glass or jar

- Fresh water

- Sunny windowsill

Step-by-Step Guide to Regrowing Green Onions

1. Prepare Your Green Onions

After using your store-bought green onions, save the white bulb ends with roots attached. Cut them approximately 2 inches from the root base, ensuring the roots remain intact.

2. Set Up Your Growing Station

Fill a clear glass or jar with about an inch of fresh water. Place the root ends in the water, keeping the cut portions above the waterline to prevent rotting.

3. Find the Perfect Spot

Position your growing station on a sunny windowsill. Green onions thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in extremely hot or cold spots.

4. Maintenance

Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacterial growth. This simple step is crucial for successful regrowth.

5. Harvesting

Within 3-4 days, you'll notice new growth emerging. Wait until the green shoots reach 6-8 inches before harvesting. Cut what you need, leaving about 2 inches above the roots to continue the growing cycle.

Pro Tips:

- Keep water level consistent but don't submerge the growing shoots

- Harvest from the outside leaves first

- Transfer to soil after 2-3 water regrowths for longer-lasting plants

- Start multiple batches for continuous harvest

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

• Yellow tips: Usually indicates old water - change more frequently

• Slow growth: Check light exposure and water quality

• Wilting: Ensure water level is adequate

Photos From My Garden 

Fall Harvest Ideas 

Crops that take 60-80 days before harvesting

• Beets 
• Turnips 
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower 
• Fall Cabbage
• Carrots 
• Radicchio
• Endive
• Winter radishes
• Kale
• Collards
• Peas
• Kohl Rabi
• Swiss Chard
• Scallions

Crops that grow fast 30-50 days

• Fall radishes
• Spinach
• Arugula
• Mesclun greens
• Lettuce 
• Mache
• Mustards
• Pac Choi

On a whim last Sunday I decided to try winter sowing, I’m a part of several garden groups, and I noticed several people in my area were giving it a try. I had water bottles on hand, and plenty of seeds to experiment with, so I honestly felt “why not”. I just started the process, however, I’ll be sharing below what I did, and of course, I hope to give updates. People typically winter sow some leafy veggies, some flowers. 

Have you tried winter sowing before? 

What you'll need

• Containers (clear milk containers, gallon water bottles, clear soda liter bottles.
• Sharpie or paint pen
• Blade
• Tape (painters, masking, or duke tape)

Instructions

1. Label each container with the date and plant
2. Add holes to the containers at the bottom
3. Cut open the containers in half
4. Fill containers with 3 to 4" of soil
5. Water the soil
6. Add seeds
7. Press down the seeds and ensure they're covered
8. Tape containers
9. Take the container outside in a sunny protected area (i.e. deck, uncovered porch, against a fence, or in a flowerbed.)

Do you plan on starting a garden this year? 

What I've Started 

Greenhouse Effect

• Bell Peppers
• Spanish Peppers 

Winter Sowing 

• Eggplant
• Swiss chard
• Beets
• Luffa
• Roselle 
• Helichrysum

Photos from my garden 

 

This year gardening has truly been a learning curve for me. As earlier stated, pre-pandemic I had no plans on starting a garden this year. I had my summer planned out which included not being home. This was my biggest reason for not wanting to start a garden. In 2019, I learned first hand what happens when you do not properly nourish a garden. I’m happy that I did get an opportunity to have a garden this year. It was such an amazing learning experience. I joined some pretty amazing communities on Facebook and Instagram. My tomato plants really thrived this year. I even started some tomato plants from seed and I actually harvested my very 1st homegrown tomatoes from those plants.

It really has been such an overall great experience. I still have so much to learn. But I’m truly thankful for the opportunity of being present in my garden.

Photos from my garden in September

Happy September! I can't believe how fast fall is coming. August really flew by. I'm really thankful for my garden this year. I really spent a lot of time on it. I also learned so much. My container garden is really thriving. Below, I'm sharing a few photos from my garden taken before the end of the month.

How's your day going?

August Garden Update 

Cucumber plant in raised beds 

Lately, I’ve been trying to regrow veggies. This has been totally trial and error for me. Below I will be sharing tips that have helped me along the way. Also, I hope to do a propagate post to share what has been working for me as well.

Scallions

I’ve had the most success with regrowing green onion. Starting in my home, and planting in my garden once the plant grows inside and starts to grow roots.

Organic

It’s so important to use organic veggies when trying to regrow veggies due to GMOs.

Regrow More Than One

I made the mistake of only regrowing one item at a time. I’m not encouraging you to purchase out of the norm. However, I made the mistake of only growing one plant at a time, and unfortunately, I had everything on hand to at least grow two. Not all plants’s/seeds will make it.

Pineapple

Twist the top. Allow to air dry a couple of days prior to placing in water. Do not completely submerge the pineapple top in water, only the base of the plant. Change the water often

Avocado

Place the avocado in water for 24hrs. Remove the skin and place it back into the water until the seed starts to grow a root. Change the water often.


Have you tried regrowing veggies?

Pin for Later!

July 2020 Vegetable Garden Update 

Aphids

Harvest

Vegetable Plants ready for raised beds/containers 

Seeds

 Raised Beds

 Container Garden