Content
You can grow green onions on a windowsill at any time of the year. But this is especially true in winter and early spring. You can get greens by planting in containers with soil. As an option, it is recommended to try growing onions in egg cells using the hydroponics method. The second option is considered simpler, as it does not require complex actions. In order for the desired result to meet expectations, it is necessary to ensure proper care of the plantings.
Onions in egg cells - vitamin greens that are always at hand
Pros and cons of growing onions in egg cells
The hydroponic method of planting onions in egg carts has a number of advantages. After all, in this case you can get vitamin greens with minimal effort. But this method also has certain disadvantages.
When growing onions in egg cells, you can cut the greens after three weeks
The main advantages of this method:
- minimal costs;
- simplicity of the method;
- stable yield;
- growing “feather” all year round;
- reuse of cells;
- The bulbs are edible after harvesting.
Flaws:
- the need for constant monitoring of planting watering;
- unpleasant odor if growing rules are not followed.
Selection and preparation of egg cells
Onions can be planted in a cardboard or plastic egg carton, or you can use foam containers. There is no significant difference between the preparation of trays. The only difference can be in choosing a suitable pallet.
Before planting, plastic and foam egg boxes must be cut into two parts, that is, the lid must be separated from the cells. Then make holes in the lower compartment so that the root system of the plants can pass through them, but the bulbs do not fall down. After this, you need to remove the latches and holders on the lid and install skewers across them in the form of crossbars, fixing them securely with tape. This is necessary so that during the growth process the bulbs do not come into contact with water, otherwise they may rot. At the end of preparation, it is necessary to install a part with cells on the resulting pallet.
Before planting onions in cardboard egg cells at home, you need to treat them with hydrogen peroxide to disinfect them. Then you need to make holes for the onion roots. And then put 4-5 forms one inside the other so that their cells match, and secure the structure with tape. Finally, find a pallet that fits the size. In this case, you can use a baking sheet.
Cardboard boxes have one significant drawback. During the process of growing onions in cells, there is prolonged contact of the material with water. As a result, it gets wet, becomes loose and loses its appearance and functionality. This can also lead to the development of fungal diseases. Therefore, plastic structures are considered more preferable.In addition, pathogenic microflora are unable to multiply in them.
How to plant onions on greens in egg cells
Before transferring the onions to the egg cells, you need to first prepare the planting material. Initially, it is necessary to select specimens with a diameter of 2-3 cm or slightly larger. Then review the planting material and reject onions that have dents or signs of rot.
Only strong, healthy bulbs are suitable for growing greens in egg cells.
Stages of further preparation for planting in egg cells:
- Remove the top dry scales.
- Cut off the top of the planting material by 1-2 cm, and if there are already sprouts, then this stage of preparation should be skipped.
- Pierce the bottom of each onion with a toothpick in 2-3 places.
- Soak the planting material in warm water for 1-2 days, changing the liquid every 12 hours.
- Spread the onions on newspaper in one layer and dry thoroughly.
After preparation, you need to place the planting material into cells with the bottom down. Then place in a tray and pour in water so that the liquid barely touches the bottom of the onion.
Caring for onions in egg trays
Caring for onions in egg trays is easy. To obtain a good harvest, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of liquid in the pan and add it. It is important that only plant roots are in the water. A complete fluid change should be done once a week. And so that the water does not “bloom”, you need to add activated carbon to it: 1-2 tablets on a small tray, 5-6 tablets on a large tray.
To successfully grow onions on a windowsill in egg cells in the autumn-winter period, in addition to regular watering, you need to provide good lighting to the plants.In this case, you can use a table lamp, positioning it so that it is at least 20 cm away from the growing seedlings. Throughout the growing season, it is necessary to maintain the temperature within +18-20 °C. To speed up the growth process of the “feather”, the maintenance regime can be raised to +24 °C, but in this case the likelihood of developing fungal diseases increases significantly.
With a lack of light, the “feathers” will have a yellowish tint and will lag in growth
The first harvest can be done after the third week, if all care rules have been followed. Subsequently, you can cut the greens three more times as they grow. If large-sized bulbs were selected for planting, the crop can be cut up to 5-6 times. To obtain an environmentally friendly product, the use of fertilizers is not recommended due to the short growing season.
Conclusion
You can successfully grow onions in egg cells if you follow the rules of planting and further simple care. This method is very popular among housewives. After all, finding a place for egg cells on the windowsill is much easier than finding a place for a container with soil. And the resulting harvest is not only in no way inferior in quality, but also ripens much earlier.
