Planting store-bought green onions is a great way to save money and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to do. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1. Choose healthy green onions: When selecting green onions from the store, look for ones that have a crisp, vibrant appearance. Avoid any that are wilted or have yellowed leaves.
2. Prepare the green onions: Once you have your green onions, gently trim off the roots, leaving about an inch of the white section intact. If the green tops are a bit wilted, you can also trim those back to encourage new growth.
3. Option 1: Water propagation method: One option is to place the trimmed green onions in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Make sure the water covers the roots but doesn’t submerge the entire onion. Place the glass in a sunny spot, like a windowsill, and change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh. Within a week or so, you should start to see new roots forming. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the green onions into soil.
4. Option 2: Planting directly in soil: The second option is to put the green onions straight into some soil. If your weather is optimal, you can plant them directly in your garden bed. However, if you prefer or if your climate isn’t suitable, you can use a little pot filled with compost.
5. Prepare the soil or pot: If planting in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill the pot with good quality compost, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
6. Planting the green onions: Use a dibber or the tip of a butter knife to make a hole in the soil wider than the roots of your green onion and as deep as the white section. Gently place the green onion in the hole, making sure the roots are well-covered with soil. Firmly press the soil around the base of the onion to secure it in place.
7. Care and maintenance: Green onions are relatively low-maintenance plants. Place your potted onions in a sunny location or provide them with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day if planting in the garden. Water them regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot.
8. Harvesting: As your green onions grow, you can start harvesting them when they reach the desired size. To harvest, simply snip off the green tops with a pair of sharp scissors, leaving the white bulb and roots in the soil. The green onions will continue to regrow, allowing you to harvest multiple times.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown green onions. It’s a simple and rewarding gardening activity that anyone can do, even if you’re a beginner. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly harvested produce from your own garden. Happy planting!
