Content
The Chinese method of planting onions helps gardeners grow a healthy crop. It is more labor-intensive, but leads to better results. If all the rules of agricultural technology are followed and proper care is taken, the bulbs grow large and strong, with a pleasant, slightly sweet taste. Sets planted using the technology developed by the Chinese show high yields even in a small area, are perfectly stored, and are suitable for transportation.
The Chinese method of planting onions involves planting them not on a flat area, but in ridges prepared in advance
Description of the Chinese method of growing onions
Planting onions using Chinese technology has recently begun to be used by Russian gardeners and summer residents. But judging by the numerous reviews about this method of growing crops, anyone who has at least once tried to put it into practice never returns to the traditional method.The essence of this technique lies in the special preparation of the site; the seedlings are sown in earthen banks formed with a hoe, which are separated from each other by grooves.
Usually in Russia potatoes and some root crops are planted this way. A vegetable grown in the Chinese way quickly increases its mass and brings a higher yield. Since the bulbs receive more heat at higher elevations, they become as strong as possible and resistant to diseases common among the crop, as well as to unfavorable conditions. The distance between the ridges greatly facilitates plant care: the beds are convenient to loosen and water, nutrients are not washed out of the earthen embankment, which reduces fertilizer consumption. Experts note that the yield of onions planted in Chinese, even on poor soil, increases by 20%, and in central cities - by 40%. In addition, it is very convenient to remove fruits from the ridge; the harvesting process is simple and takes little time. After ripening, the bulbs are dried in the sun, which increases their shelf life. In terms of taste characteristics, the vegetable remains the same as with the usual planting technique, but its shape becomes slightly flattened, which does not affect the quality in any way.
Pros and cons of planting onions in Chinese
Compared to the traditional method of planting onions, Chinese technology has a number of advantages and only one drawback.
Regardless of the type of onion planted according to the Chinese method, the fruits grow large
Pros:
- uniform ripening;
- large size;
- high productivity;
- ease of carrying out agricultural work;
- stable immunity to diseases;
- good keeping quality;
- minimal risk of pest damage;
- ease of harvesting.
Flaws:
- strict adherence to cleaning deadlines.
Planting onions according to the Chinese method
In order for the onion harvest planted using the Chinese method to meet expectations, you need to strictly follow the technological process. It is important to observe planting dates, prepare the material correctly, and adhere to the bulb planting scheme. The main feature of the method is the placement of seedlings on the ridges, so the beds should be properly prepared before the procedure.
Landing dates
To plant onions the Chinese way, you should wait until the ground warms up to +5-10 °C. Most often this happens at the end of April or at the beginning of May. In regions with warm climatic conditions a little earlier than in central Russia.
The crop is planted in the beds on the days recommended by the sowing calendar.
Preparing the sets
Planting onions in the Chinese way involves using sets. It should be sorted before the procedure. If bulbs are needed for forcing greens, use large sets with a diameter of more than 15 mm. Small bulbs from 11 to 15 mm in diameter are suitable for growing turnips.
Half a month before planting, the selected onions folded in a cardboard box should be dried for 10-12 hours in the sun or near a radiator, at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C. This is done to protect the seedlings from bolting, downy mildew and neck rot. Before planting Chinese onions, they should be cleared of excess husks and the dry tails should be carefully cut off. The day before planting, the seedlings need to be soaked for 24 hours in a room heated to 40 0With water.In order for the bulbs to germinate faster, you can add a little slurry to the container; Fitosporin-M will help protect the crop from rot.
Preparing the Site and Ridges
The Chinese technique of planting onions involves proper preparation of the site. Already from mid-autumn, the beds need to be dug up, spreading superphosphates, dolomite flour and Nitroammofoska over their surface; 1 tbsp will be needed per square meter of land. l, 2 tbsp. l and 1 tsp. drugs accordingly. In the spring, the area is dug up again with the addition of nitrogen fertilizers, then longitudinal ridges are formed on the bed at a distance of 30 cm from each other, 15 cm high.
It is better to plant Chinese onions in beds after tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers or legumes
Planting scheme
Prepared planting material is planted on a warm, windless day. The seedlings are lowered into the ground 3 cm deep, preferably without pressing. It is better to place the onion on a ridge and sprinkle it with soil. This way the root system of the crop will develop faster. The distance between the bulbs, which is provided for by the Chinese planting technology, should be 12-15 cm. In June, the ridges are opened - the seedlings are dug up to 2/3 of the height, removing excess soil between the rows.
Features of care
Growing onions in Chinese is not much different from the standard method, but many gardeners note that this technology is much simpler. The crop does not require regular watering and weeding, as well as protection from diseases. Procedures are performed only if they are necessary.
For Chinese technology, it is best to take categories II and III seeds
Watering
The first time the beds are watered immediately after planting the onions. Further moistening of the soil is carried out as the soil dries out. Typically, during the first month of crop growth, two abundant waterings are carried out. It is not recommended to overwater the beds; if the spring was rainy, moistening may not be carried out at all.
Weeding, loosening
Ridge beds with onions rarely need weeding. Weeds are pulled out as they appear. Loosening is performed after each watering; the procedure helps prevent the appearance of insects.
Top dressing
The Chinese version of growing onions involves applying fertilizers three times:
- Two weeks after planting, the crop is fed with organic matter. Diluted chicken droppings or a 10% mullein solution with the addition of 3 tbsp are perfect for this. l. urea per 10 liters of water.
- In the second half of June, urea (15 g), phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (40 g each) are used as fertilizer. The drugs are dissolved in a bucket of water.
- At the moment of turnip formation, the beds are watered with diluted potassium and phosphorus fertilizer (15 and 25 g per 10 liters of water, respectively).
A bucket of nutrient mixture is usually distributed over 4 square meters. m. landing.
Disease and pest control
Every summer resident knows that it is easier to prevent a plant disease than to later treat an already developed disease. Therefore, in order to prevent infection and protect the crop, a number of procedures should be followed when growing Chinese onions.Powdery mildew is considered the most common plant ailment, so onion beds should be sprayed from time to time with a solution of copper sulfate (7 g per bucket of water). In addition, you need to properly prepare the planting material.
After harvesting, all plant residues should be destroyed from pests, crop rotation should be observed, and crops should not be grown in the same bed several times in a row. To avoid attacks by onion flies, the soil must be loosened regularly.
To get a healthy harvest, you should sow strong bulbs
Conclusion
The Chinese method of planting onions is gaining more and more popularity among summer residents every year. The technology is simple, has a lot of advantages, and makes it easier to care for the crop. Onions are a very healthy vegetable that is used daily in the kitchen and is included in most recipes for cold and hot dishes. Every gardener strives to increase the yield of this crop.
Reviews of the Chinese method of planting onions
