Emma Miller
Onions are usually planted in the spring, and in the second month of summer they stop growing and enter the second stage – the plant begins to form heads. In order for the vegetable to grow strong in the end and for you to get a good harvest, you need to apply the right fertilizer in July.
How to fertilize onions in July and why – tips
Experienced gardeners know that depending on the stage of maturity of onions, their care for them also changes. Some fertilizers are better to cancel, others – to introduce, but for the independent maturation of the culture is definitely worth being careful with nitrogenous substances, or even removing them altogether.
Features to be aware of when caring for onions:
- phosphorus and potassium – the necessary substances for this plant in July, the best fertilizer is ash;
- water onions in July only when the soil is completely dry, and when you see yellow “feathers”, stop watering altogether;
- in the second half of July, remove all soil from the top of the plants so that the sun’s rays can reach the bulb.
- If it rains in July, cover the crop with clingfilm to keep moisture out and keep the plants dry and stored longer.
The size of onion heads, in general, is very dependent not only on fertilizer but also on other factors. For example, weather conditions play a not insignificant role – a crop that received enough UV light is usually richer and better than one that grew in the shade. The second point is weeds, which must be combatted, otherwise, unwanted vegetation will cut off the oxygen supply to the onion and slow down its development.
What to feed onions at home – a recipe
Considering that the most successful fertilizers are those that contain potassium and phosphorus.
Approximate consumption of fertilizer – 10 liters per 2 sq. m. of bed:
- 30 g of ammonium nitrate, 60 g of superphosphate, and 30 g of potassium chloride diluted in 10 liters of water;
- 1 tbsp. salt, 1 tbsp. ammonium nitrate and 10 gr. 1% iodine dissolved in 10 liters of water;
- 2 tbsp. nitrophoska per 10 liters of water;
- 100-150 grams of wood ashes per 10 liters of water;
- 1 / 3 buckets of mint herbs weeds or nettles pour 3 liters of water and add a tablespoon of yeast, this 2-3 days before using dilute to 9 liters of water.
- With a lack of potassium, the plant leaves turn yellow, and with a lack of phosphorus – the tops dry out. They should be trimmed so that they do not take away the strength of the bulb.
