Making onion nursery is key for higher returns. Onion seedlings require attention from scorching sun and heavy dung pores as seed bed allows watering and protects seeds.
Use healthy soil, that has been rested for onion growing to control onion diseases. Raise the seed bed for excess water to drain and control root ro. Enrich soil with organic matter for faster growth, increased disease resistance and loosening of soil.
Treatment of seedlings
Make seed bed 1 metre wide to easily monitor seedlings and surround seed bed with boarder to retain rain and irrigation water. Further more remove weeds, stones, break clods for root development and incorporate aged manure for proper root development.
Level the seed bed for seed germination and obtain seeds from trusted dealer to ensure even seed germination. Additionally treatment of seeds against diseases and for higher returns with proper spacing (5-10 cm apart and 1 cm deep). Cover them with thin soil and mulch for protection during germination and maintain soil moisture.
Protect nursery from wild and domestic animals, water every morning to control losses and plant desiccation respectively. Removing mulch after seed germination helps control seed elongation and Weed the seed bed to reduce plant competition. Lastly at 3 weeks apply fertilizers or compost between plant lines to enrich soil fertility and strengthen seedlings respectively.
