Growing onions from scraps can be rewarding it is possible to have new growth in just a matter of days. Apart from that, you get to save your groceries which is also important.
There are different ways to grow onions from scraps, below I discussed the different ways:
1) REGROWING SCALLIONS
Scallions are also known as green onions and to regrow scallions from the root end, all you have to do is:
I) Put the bottom third of the scallion in a glass
II) Fill the glass with water to cover half the stalk. After that, place it on a sunny windowsill. In 3 days or thereabouts, new growth will appear at the top.
III) Using a pair of scissors, snip off the amount you need for dishes and leave the top to continue to grow.
IV) Replace the water with a fresh one every 2 – 3 days
You can as well use this method for spring onions and leeks
Read also: How Many Onions Grow From One Bulb – Step By Step Answer
2) REGROWING BULB ONIONS
Bulb onions can also be regrown. The difference between the method of re-growing bulb onions and that of scallions is that is the planting of the scraps of these onions in soil. This can also be done in a small pot placed in a sunny window or you can perhaps, plant the onion scrap outside to regrow in your garden. To regrow bulb onions from the root end, carry out the following processes:
I) With about an inch and a half of the onion, save the base of the onion where the roots grow along. This area is the lower third of the bulb for many onions.
II) Leave the piece to dry till you notice slight curling or shriveling of the layers at the cut surface. This may take few hours to a day and even more depending on the humidity of your location.
3) The next process is the planting process
The ideal condition for growing onions is moist growing conditions but not wet growing conditions. Thus, using a well-draining potting soil with a container that offers good drainage helps your onions grow well. Learn more on how to grow onions in containers.
Create an indention in the soil which should be at the center of the pot. The indention should be equal to the size of the bulb’s base. After putting roots at the bottom, press down slightly on the onion so that it can have good contact with the soil.
Ensure you plant deeply so that the top of the onion is covered by an inch of soil. Proceed to water evenly for the soil to be uniformly moist and place the pot in a sunny south or west-facing window.
Ensure that the soil is kept moist and soon, new green shoots will start peeking through the soil surface. Trim the greens using a pair of scissors and you can use them in cooking.
If planting outdoors, be patient for the spring freeze so that the risk of spring freeze can pass. If living in a place with mild conditions, you can plant at any time. Plant in soil which drains well and at a spot that receives at least six hours of sun daily. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Read also: Learn about the Onions Growing Stages
CONCLUSION
I hope you find this article helpful. I would like to hear from you. So let me know if you have any questions about growing onions from scraps. Also, learn how to grow onions in water.
