Onions are planted probably the most in gardens of the South.  You just not cook with out them.  Gumbo, jambalaya, salads, and don’t forget dressing.  Before we get the oil ready for onion rings, lets take a look at planting them.
     
Onions grow best in full sunlight and well drained soils.  Onions qualify as a cool-season crop and can be planted in the fall. They can stand really cold temperatures.  You can plant seeds or use the sets. 

Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and about 1 inch apart.  Do this during October and December.  When they are 6 inches high, thin them to about 2 – 3 inches between them. 

If you plant the sets or bulbs, plant them 3/4 inch deep and 3 inches apart.  I recommend using a 10-20-10 fertilizer.  Water the onions after fertilizing.  Spread 2 -3 lbs of fertilizer over a 100 square feet of the garden area.  Insects are not a huge problem, however thrips , a very small insect may be found between the leaves. 

There are a variety of insecticides available to spray with.  Diseases may be a problem on onions.  Use Neem oil or sulfur to fight the disease.  These are old chemicals that have been around a long time.

Speaking of old chemicals, I bet most people don’t know that when you buy Sevin now its not 
Sevin.  It’s a great product called Bifen.  Bad way to label.  Watch what you buy and read the label.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)