Cultivating summer onions in homesteads and roof gardens can help meet household needs and provide additional income through the sale of surplus produce. Here’s a guide on how to grow summer onions effectively in these environments.
Onion Cultivation in Roof Garden
Materials Needed:
- Sandy loam soil
- Organic fertilizers (e.g., compost, manure)
- Onion seeds
- Trays or tubs (size 1m x 0.6m recommended)
Steps for Cultivation:
- Soil Preparation:
- Mix sandy loam soil with organic fertilizers thoroughly.
- Fill the trays or tubs with this soil mixture.
- Planting:
- Make small holes in the soil using your finger or a small tool.
- Place onion seeds in these holes.
- Cover the seeds lightly with a thin layer of powdered soil.
- Watering:
- Sprinkle water lightly over the soil to moisten it.
- Place the trays or tubs in a sunny location to ensure the plants receive adequate sunlight.
- Maintenance:
- Water the plants regularly but avoid overwatering.
- Ensure the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- Harvesting:
- After 70-80 days, you can expect to harvest 2.5-3.0 kg of summer onions from four trays of size 1m x 0.6m.
By using this method, each family can meet their annual onion needs and potentially earn additional income by selling the excess produce.