Quick notes
Onions are a staple factor in many cuisine worldwide , including Kenyan dishes . Growing your own onion can be a rewarding and price - in force experience , especially in Kenya ’s favorable climate . Thiscomprehensive guidewill supply you with step - by - step instruction on how to set onion in Kenya , see a successful and handsome harvest .
Selecting the Right Onion Varieties
The first stair inplanting onionsis select the appropriate variety . There are twomain typesofonions grownin Kenya :
Site Preparation
prefer a well - run out sitethatreceives ample sunlight . onion prefer a slightly acidulous soil with a pH between 6 and 6.5 . Prepare the soil by tilling it to a profundity of 12 - 18 inches and tally constitutional thing such as compost or manure .
Planting the Onions
1 . Transplanting : onion aretypically grownfrom transplants . Start seed indoors 8 - 10 workweek before the lastfrost date . When the seedling are 6 - 8 inches marvellous , they can betransplanted outdoors . Space the transplanting 4 - 6 inches apart in wrangle that are 12 - 18 inches apart.2 . Direct Seeding : Onions can also besown directlyinto the soil . Sow the seeds 1/2inch deepand 2 - 3 inch asunder in rows that are 12 - 18 column inch apart . Thin the seedlings to thedesired spacingonce they come forth .
Watering and Fertilizing
Onions require unconstipated watering , especially during the early stages of increment . Water profoundly but infrequently , leave the dirt to dry out slenderly between watering . Fertilize the onion with abalanced fertilizerevery 3 - 4 week .
Weed Control
Weeds compete with Allium cepa for weewee and food , so it is all-important to insure them . Hand - pull or hoeing around the onion will help keep weeds at bay . mulch around the plants can alsosuppress weedsand retain moisture .
Pest and Disease Management
Onions are susceptible to various pests and diseases , include thrips , onion fly sheet , anddowny mildew . proctor yourplants regularlyand take appropriate measuring rod to control infestations or diseases .
Harvesting and Storage
onion plant are quick to harvest when thetops starttoturn brownand fall over . lightly lift the onions from the soil and allow them to dry out in the sun for a few days before stash away them . storehouse onions in a cool , dry , and well - ventilate surface area to stretch their ledge life .
Final Thoughts: Cultivating Onions in Kenya
farm onion in Kenya is afulfilling endeavorthat can provide you with fresh , homegrown Allium cepa for your culinary creations . By come after the steps outlined in this guide , you may successfully plant and civilise onion in your Kenyan garden . Remember tochoose suitable mixed bag , set the soil in good order , water and fertilize on a regular basis , ascendance pest and diseases , and harvest and store your onions right for optimal results .
Top Questions Asked
Q : What is the best meter toplant onionsin Kenya?A : Theideal timetoplant onionsin Kenya is during thedry season(December to March).Q : How often should I water my onions?A : body of water youronions deeplybut infrequently , provide the soil to dry out slightly between lacrimation . Q : What is therecommended spacingfor onions?A : Space onion transplants4 - 6 in apart in wrangle that are 12 - 18 in aside for optimal growth . Q : How can Icontrol thripson my onions?A : Useinsecticidal soaporneem oiltocontrol thrips infestationson your onions . Q : What are the signs ofdowny mildewon onions?A : Downy mildewcauses yellowed orbrown spotson the leaves and stunted growth .
