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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] starting onions

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  • From: Bobbett <bobbett AT windstream.net>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] starting onions
  • Date: Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:13:40 -0500

Dakota Harvest Lamb wrote:

This is my first try at starting onions from seeds. They have sprouted. Should I turn off my heating mat?

Like the other poster, I don't use heating mats either.  But I do start my seedlings in the kitchen on top of the cabinets where the heat from the wood stove will keep them warm even at night (heat rises).

Once they're up I put them under lights.  When they reach 6" in height, I tip them back to keep them that height.  With time, they'll get fatter.  I usually transplant them outside about the 3rd wk of March (or when I sow my peas) into rich soil.  I then mulch them heavily to keep down weeds.  Mine usually ripen for picking in July.  I cure them in the barn and then store them in the root cellar for winter use.  I buy kinds that store well and get sweeter in storage.

I am keeping the tops of flats misted and they are getting about 12 hours of light. Anything else I should be doing?

I give mine 12-14 hrs of light/day and only bottom water once they're under lights.

hth,
Bobbett, KY zone 6
http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M19189



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