Grow BIG ONIONS from seed: Part 1 seed starting

[@toddyaro3934]

Out of the dozens of "growing onions " videos I've watched yours is definitely the best. The tall deeper pots makes so much sense.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Appreciate that, thank you 😊

[@questcequelaverite]

@@wholefedhomestead thank you very much for this wonderful video, very detailed and helpful. Hope you'll do the same with tomatoes.

[@JohnJude-dp6ed]

I'm agreeing with very good information on the video Thanks

[@NatalieMarchuk]

I just have to say, thank you for all the extra details in your videos! You are probably the only person that has actually made me feel like, "Okay, I can do this." instead of feeling completely overwhelmed and confused... lol because there is always an "yea, but what about...." and you seem to answer every possible scenario!

[@wholefedhomestead]

I really appreciate that, thank you! Glad they are helpful! 💗💗

[@ynptrip]

@@wholefedhomesteadfor the grow light, how many hours of light do you use for long-day and day-neutrals?

[@joannethorburn3145]

Great tutorial. Have watched so many others on this but this was so informative and made me feel I can do this. Love your calm approach. Thank you😊

[@MsChucklebunny]

This is my first year growing onions from seed and I knew just who to learn from! Thanks so much Crystal 😊

[@wholefedhomestead]

You bet! Best of luck! 💗

[@bascomroadblueberryfarm]

We have been planting onions from seed for a few years now using Crystals method here and had HUGE success! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@jenniferzapata5698]

I read “crystal meth” 😮😂

[@wholefedhomestead]

Love hearing that, thank you!

[@evaanderson6781]

I came here from Acre Homestead when Becky mentioned that you had a very good series about growing onions from seed. She was right! This is probably the best tutorial I’ve seen. Easy to follow and comprehensive. I feel like I could do this myself and succeed.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Love hearing that- thank you so much!

[@katchmoleengmail7034]

Same!

[@cowboyblacksmith]

I made plant labels from a 25 foot tape measure that broke, just cut it into 5" pieces and you label the back blank part with a Sharpie. It's very steam punk, lol. They look cool too actually and you can even see the growth by the inch markings. The curve to it makes it fit plant pots really swell. 👍🏻

[@janicejones7553]

Good video.very informative

[@Frankie_902]

Hi, I found you through Becky at Acre Homestead. She's planting onions in her video today and she referred to your channel as showing her your technique. So here I am to learn from you as well.😉💜

[@wholefedhomestead]

So glad to have you- happy growing! 💗💗

[@Frankie_902]

@@wholefedhomestead Thank you and to you as well ❤️

[@JS-jl1yj]

I am glad I saved a bunch of 5"-deep yogurt containers. I'll just have to drill some drainage holes in the bottom. I had great results with them last year, when I used them for starting tomatoes from seed. I filled them half-full of soil and then gradually filled them to the top as the seedlings grew.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Perfect! 😊👍🏻

[@Darwizzleatlas]

I had never heard that before about the little starter bulbs being a potential reason why my onions have been so small. Thank you!! I'm excited to try again this year.

[@johnjude2685]

Just noticed you I'm liking and agree with you about what I know about and listen to what is new to me I'm adding more worm casting as my seedlings are several weeks old and believe they're behind Thanks

[@kaylakitty3814]

I love using those deep pots for potting up things like tomatoes but never thought about using them to start onions. I will definitely use them for my onions this year.

[@wholefedhomestead]

They improved my onion starts tremendously!

[@teresag8641]

Always purchased starts before watching your videos. First year growing from seed and i keep coming back to make sure I'm doing it right. Your info and how you explain every phase makes it so easy. Thank you love all your videos

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thank you so much! Good luck! 🌱🩷

[@mistidiane788]

Great advice! I started walla walla seeds on Sunday. It's our 1st time growing from seed. I'm glad to see how you do it & know I can add more seeds.

[@andyhiggs6932]

Thank you so much for this detailed video. I wasn't having any luck with my onion seeds, but the humidity propagators helped. I actually usually cling film and that seemed to work just as well. You are right, they like to be kept moist!

[@jbknowles]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@wendyweinerman9468]

This was the best onion grow guide I have found!! Thank you so much!!

[@wholefedhomestead]

I really appreciate that, thanks! 🥰

[@jadecook9476]

We used your method last year and we’re finally successful in growing our own onions!! Our seeds this year just popped. Excited to see how it goes this year too.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Love hearing that! 💗💗

[@AlhajSamsideen]

Salam, Salam,Salam thanks 🙏 a lot for your time and support for this video. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lizkellett6700]

thank you for the great tips, my onions are doing fantastic they have never looked so good at this point.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Love hearing that! 💗

[@wildboar9929]

Glad you said sprinkle after putting the soil on the seeds. Because I like a little oatmeal with my brown sugar 😊

[@eddiepersaud7422]

My first time. So far so good. You are amazing. Thank you. 3 parts. Best education to grow onions I have endured thus far.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! 😊

[@cowboyblacksmith]

This year, I SWEAR this year I'll succeed because of your help! 4 years now and counting my seedlings sprout, grow a tiny bit then die. Every…single…time!!! I have a heat mat, grow light and humidity dome and they never make it, as in never no way not gonna happenI can see already my previous big mistake was using seedling mix and not pitting mix, that should make the difference. I grow worms so have castings to add and using a deeper pot is key too, now I know. After my first failed batch this February I replanted in potting soil/worm castings (just a little) mix and they have started to sprout. I will know for sure in two weeks if they succeed and for the first time I actually believe it. Thank you and I will update you, blessings.👍🏻❤️ Potting mix not seedling mix and deeper pots I never did before so now that I have, there's a good shot I'll finally succeed. Funny thing is, I'm a great gardener with deep passion and research so much. So glad I finally found what I believe is the answer. You have a rare quality as a teacher to impart information so effectively and keeping it easy to grasp. Saying what not to do as well as what to do and why so clearly gives us all the best chances of great results.👍🏻

[@wholefedhomestead]

I wish you the very best of luck!! 🤞🏻

[@CatherineShoresHMN]

I just discovered your channel and am in the process of binging. I’m zone 4b, Hastings MN, so I’m SUPER stoked to have found a channel in my area/zone!! Thank you!!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Howdy neighbor! Thanks so much! 🥰

[@heathfamilyphotoarchive9387]

Incredibly thorough with great anecdotal "good to know" information. Thank you for sharing!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Appreciate that, thanks!

[@priayief]

Great tips! I've grown onion seedlings for many years and found it easy and convenient. I use any decent quality potting mix and relatively small seed containers to conserve space. Years ago I used 3 inch pots but I found they take up way too much space and the much smaller containers do perfectly well (at least, that's what I concluded when I did a trial to compare results of small pots v large). You can grow a lot of seedlings indoors using very little space. Enough seedlings to give the average gardener more seedlings than they will ever need. One tip I will pass along is when it comes time to transplant the seedlings outside. I keep a large container of water nearby and I immerse the unpotted seedlings in the water to remove the soil. This helps a lot in untangling the roots. Cheers.

[@TalkingThreadsMedia]

Hi, Crystal. Nice video! Best wishes from Kate in Olympia, WA - 2/25/2023.

[@mariahjuhl702]

Beautiful video! Not even halfway thru and I feel like I've learned so much already. Now I'm even more excited to grow some onions!!❤😂

[@wholefedhomestead]

Love hearing that!! Good luck!

[@chelseaberendsen9958]

This video was done so well, thank you. Happy gardening!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thank you 🥰

[@ianryan7826]

Some good stuff right here.

[@successassociates5176]

Such a helpful video! Thank you, Crystal!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimberlyearly8918]

I just found your channel last night and I absolutely love it! You make things seem so simple which is what I need. I've already watched a ton of them! I planted onion sets this year and they pretend much did nothing. Same with my garlic. Thanks for great videos! Please keep them coming!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks so much! Welcome! 🥰🥰

[@adrianteresa98]

This is very helpful! I wanted to trim mine because they were falling over, but I didn't know if it would be ok. Thanks for sharing this! 👍

[@user-te7zz8mv3x]

wow thanks … your video has been the most helpful to date, i will definitely try out your tips!

[@charliensam]

Thank you so much for sharing your time & talents. I am a long time gardener but never had luck with onions. I am going to give it another try with seeds this time. Fingers crossed, I will have a few onions to add to my pantry.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Hope it helps! Good luck! 🤞🏻🥰

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Thank you for this tutorial! So clear and informative

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markbrock8662]

Very helpful in understanding onions from seed. I'm going to try and make it work this year. Thanks!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Good luck!

[@robinchopra139]

you may have answered why my onions seem to get to a certain height and fall over. I need to plant in a deeper pot. Same thing happened last year. Also the hair cuts. I had no idea you start that early but it makes sense. THANKS!! Oh and i learned about the cat the hard way

[@cecilmurray4388]

Thank you I am planning to start onion seeds. You made an excellent video.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! Happy growing! 💗

[@andypandy8817]

This was so helpful! Thanks so much for sharing with us.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valjalava1951]

Great video,I just planted my onion seeds today I have them on a heat mat,but my outside shed is about 45-50 as I have dahlia bulbs sitting in there as well as other plants ,so I have a bulb which is a heat lamp type of bulb hanging above but temp is a lot cooler out there I have geraniums on the mat as well so waiting for a grow table to come that I ordered then I’ll bring in the house which will be a lot warmer

[@todmiller6880]

Instead of grow lights, I have used standard fluorescent shop lights 4 foot in length right over seedlings and it works great. I have even raised new plants for several weeks under these lights, while covering the plants and lights with long sheets of aluminum foil. This really helps retain heat in my 60 degree F basement AND reflects additional light back to plants.

[@rachelhoffman3616]

You were the first person to get me interested in growing onions years ago and I have had success since! Onions are probably one of my favorite things to grow now. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@wholefedhomestead]

You bet! Thanks! They’re one of my favorite things to grow too!

[@michellemccarley8121]

Thanks for the video! Would love more videos on your soil/ planting methods and how you get these big beautiful plants!

[@Redberryfarm888]

Great upload, thank you! Our onions (long day type) get the largest not being planted in a raised bed (at least our raised beds that are a bit deeper... and onions need LOTS of sunshine/daylight)...situated more or less on top of the soil, spooning away the soil away from the stem as the onion grows (kinda like corn stalks sit on top of the soil with only the roots going into the soil)... and yes, they get huge! 💕 "Patterson" ( long day ) keep the longest for us, a yellow onion with a thick paper wrapping. We only have just a few sprouting now from last harvest.

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

I use a potato masher to wet the soil and get it stirred around. Works great

[@wholefedhomestead]

Love that idea!

[@flatlandhomestead2575]

Going to try this way for sure! Thank your subj a great tutorial!

[@JohnJude-dp6ed]

I've been using the starting mixture and some failure, Will try soil as you suggested . That gray color might be clay soil to make planting easier ( perhaps) I love the quart size pump up sprayer for my seedlings. Thanks

[@codysmashey5901]

Very helpful video!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! 🥰

[@tailsoftranquility]

Wonderful video, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! This will be my 2nd year growing onions and I'm going to follow your instructions 🌿

[@wholefedhomestead]

Happy growing!! 🌱💗

[@dustyflats3832]

I’ve been second guessing on pot size. I once used a flat and that had mold issues and too shallow. I used the 4” pots last year and they did well. I was all curious of how many seeds you used and 15-20 was a lot less than I used 😅 as I tend to over seed to use up the seed. Yes, the seed should be fresh every year and another reason I sowed heavily. I think I used 3-4” pots for one pack 😳. I like to grow a variety as well and a lot of them. I used a heat mat on a thermostat last year. After awhile I realized the seed was bad and was 2023. I seen you had Blush variety and that was one that even 2024 seed didn’t do well so maybe something with that one. At one point I was questioning whether the heat was preventing good germination. I plan on finding heirlooms that I like and saving seed, but I do like the hybrids like Blush. Nice vid and will probably use the 4” pots again. One year I had to transplant into milk jug bottoms as they needed the room😅. I also end up giving haircuts about 5 times before transplanting because I believe the heat in the house makes them grow too fast. I prefer to not have open ended fronds before transplanting because bacteria can enter and you won’t know until they are in storage and rot quickly. Wish I had a cooler place to slow the seedlings down.

[@SuperIndayinAmerica]

Thank you for this video. Every year I try to grow from seeds, never had any success. Now I know why😂 I will try next season.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Good luck! 😊

[@blueeyedgardener]

So helpful!! I’m giving it a whirl this year! I’m determined to grow them this year !! Thanks for the tips …I’m excited

[@wholefedhomestead]

Good luck!!

[@WingItHomestead]

So informative, thank you!!

[@BacktotheoriginsIL]

Great video! Thank you

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad you liked it!

[@spatin51]

How do you get the seedlings to grow big and healthy? Mine seem to stop growing and keel over.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Every single thing I do is shared in this 3-part video series! 💗💗

[@Mrs.T.Rusch25]

Excellent, thank you!

[@MrCosmicharlie]

You always give great information!!!

[@wholefedhomestead]

I appreciate that!

[@waterdogherbfarm2652]

This was a great video and very informative. Thank you.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EricaAlfaro-s5p]

I've got some little sprouts thanks to your videos! When should I take them off the heat mat?

[@wholefedhomestead]

I talk about that in Part 2 😊👍🏻

[@sweetiekjo]

Great information

[@srlsolutionsself-reliancet3247]

after a decade of gardening this is the first time i heard the biannual explanation of why my sets never do great.

[@M.Wannarka]

I’ve had good luck with sets, but need to remember to use up all onion seed year 1 as germination goes way down year 2

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

Fresh seeds are always best, however, if I have enough seeds from last year to grow what I need for the year, I suggest testing them for germination. Especially with Onions. Since they are planted so far in advance of planting out, should you not have sufficient germination you still have time to order new seed. Also, if you do get good germination, and they get lengthy early, Onions are quite cooperative, and don't mind a haircut and are very cold hardy. That's just me. Waste not, want not. Good luck with your gardening adventure.

[@EM-vu7xb]

Great! Very helpful. When is part 2 coming out. Thanks!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Just posted Part 2 💗

[@mygardenofthings]

Great video, thanks!👍

[@tammyinwv1]

I live in zone 6. I am in fl zone 9 for jan feb and march. I read for z 6 to start seeds in jan to plant out in march. So I planted my seeds out here in z9 fl in deli containers to plant out in z6 when i get home around early april. Our nights in fl have been hitting close 30 many nights. colder than usual. Should I have brought them inside? They havent sprouted yet. Been out about a week

[@wholefedhomestead]

I prefer to start inside with lights/heat-- they sprout much much faster that way.

[@MistyLower]

Hi! Love your videos! My seedlings are 3.5 weeks old and they don’t have roots at the bottom yet and they’re already making a 2nd leaf…is this normal/okay? I’m planting for the fall harvest. Thanks for your response!

[@lorindalhotka2243]

how old were the ones that you were trimming?

[@Alamalhayat123]

Hi . Iam from Canada, Hamilton. What month should I start planting my onion seeds. 😊

[@allisonsirowich3367]

Do you keep water in bottom of tray just after sowing, or do you keep it there until plants get transferred outside? Great video btw!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Keeping the right amount of water is a dance. I don't want to have standing water in the tray after the soil is saturated. I want the soil to always be moist/saturated until all the seeds sprout. Then I want the soil to be moist, but dry out just a touch before I water again when the plants are growing.

[@bethevans85]

Do you grow bunching onions the same way? Thanks for all the tips and tricks! Sowing my onions now. I just realized all mine are long day. Hope that's fine for New York!

[@wholefedhomestead]

I haven’t grown those before but I imagine they are the same/similar!

[@dennettelucero1050]

Thanks for the video! Any tips for transplanting?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Part 2 of this series about how to plant out in the garden was just posted!

[@RME7-r4p]

Can i grow it directly into where its gonna grow without starting it indoors?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Onions really should be started early.

[@dustyflats3832]

I have winter sowed them, and they stay smaller in Z5, WI. To get large onions they need as many fronds possible before solstice when they start to form bulbs.

[@allanahpoirier3121]

Does the trimming method apply to bunching onions as well? If over 6"

[@wholefedhomestead]

I haven’t grown those before, so I’m not sure.

[@ziggyustar3137]

Ugh fungus gnats I have used 3% Hydrogen Peroxide worked okay, turmeric sprinkled, cayenne sprinkled. Bug zapper & a electric badminton racket to kill flies... I can't wait to get these out into the garden... I have also used Neem oil in a spray watered down (smelly) didn't really work; better luck with cayenne at night & peroxide in the morning/// Your thoughts?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Oooh bummer. I haven’t really had to deal with those. Have you seen those yellow sticky trap things?

[@dustyflats3832]

At that point yellow sticky traps. I tried everything 2 yrs ago, nothing works. I’m trying roasting soil outside in an old roaster this year to prevent infestation. If they do appear I may try diatomaceous earth and sticky traps which I always have up just in case. Need to break the lifecycle as they can lay 100s of eggs.

[@insideoutgmltd]

Thanks

[@nicolephillips9991]

I'm getting ready to order onion seeds and revisiting these videos. Of the seed varieties you show, are any of them better for long term storage than others? I also live in WI (although the other side), so I would love to try some of the varieties you like.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Sedona and Red Carpet are two favorites and are extremely long-storing! 😊👍🏻

[@nicolephillips9991]

@@wholefedhomestead Thank you so much!

[@dustyflats3832]

Sierra Blanca, Blush and Patterson also do well for us in Z5a, WI.

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

Tried starting onions last year but the soil I used went moldy starting over this winter/spring.

[@lind5180]

Thank you

[@Rose_Mara_1]

Hey! Can you let us know if you ended up liking that soil? Thanks!!

[@wholefedhomestead]

It was okay. I might use it again this year but amend it with other stuff too.

[@ofirshorshy8281]

I did just this you showed now. will see how it goes. I do not knot where to get such seeds' it seems that show geremenation precentage or year of produce..

[@alburke6132]

do you put lights on them when the first ones sprout? thx, enjoying the vids

[@wholefedhomestead]

Yes. More light info in Part 2

[@Anne--Marie]

Do you keep the grow light on 24/7? Thank you!

[@wholefedhomestead]

More info on that in Part 2 👍🏻

[@megancouser4280]

Mine are going great! When will the next video be out? Thank you!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks- I just uploaded it! 😊

[@RealLifeGardening]

Can I use vermiculite on the top layer instead of more dirt would they still pop up

[@wholefedhomestead]

I've never used that but I know a lot of people do... I would think that would be just fine. 👍🏻

[@RealLifeGardening]

@ I meant perlite idk why I said vermiculite

[@dustyflats3832]

I used vermiculite last year and it turned green. I would think perlite wouldn’t hold enough moisture.

[@RealLifeGardening]

Did you get any funds gnats with the soil

[@wholefedhomestead]

No

[@eb2636]

How long per day is your growlight switched on the first 2 weeks? And after that period? And thnx for your great videos!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Grow light info is in the beginning of Part 2 video 😊👍🏻

[@thekingpig554]

I am also in WI zone 4b!! Last year I started all my own seeds and this year I wanted to master growing the things that we use most in our kitchen....onions are at the top of the list! Alas, I have not successfully grown them. I had a couple questions....1. Could I possibly use a pot that is not quite as deep? 2. Do you have favorite varieties to grow in zone 4b WI? Thank you!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Yes, a less deep pot will also work. My favorite variety is “Sedona.” 😊👍🏻

[@moisesgoncalves3019]

Can I grow the seeds directly into the hole ground if I'm using a greenhouse or it imperative to use a seed starter container?

[@wholefedhomestead]

I haven’t tried that, sorry. Where I live they need to be started very very early indoors.

[@KellyMonk156]

Great video. Really helpful thank you ☺️

[@Rose-wo8bh]

What fertilizer did you add to prepare soil?

[@wholefedhomestead]

We add deciduous leaves and composted chicken manure, sometimes cow manure, to our garden, that’s it.

[@mistervacation23]

Ja, Deutschland baut Zwiebeln an. Die Landwirtschaftssaison in Deutschland dauert von März bis Oktober und die Zwiebelernte erfolgt bis zum Herbst. Frühlingszwiebeln sind in Deutschland fast das ganze Jahr über erhältlich.

[@absolutemalmaute9592]

I have moles in our yard. I would love to grow in the ground but I’m nervous the moles might get to my garden. We are located in IL and I think WI and IL have really similar zones. I live watching your videos and it helps me so much! I have a few smaller plastic pots. What do you recommend starting from seed in those?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! I use small pots for anything that won’t be in them very long… so things that are transplanted out quickly after they sprout.

[@inharmonywithearth9982]

Moles do not eat plants. They eat grubs.

[@camram34]

How many hours a day is your grow light on? Do you mimic the current day length or provide continuous light?

[@wholefedhomestead]

I talk all about that in the Part 2 Onion video 👍🏻

[@dustyflats3832]

I set mine at 12 hrs others do 16.

[@Richard-oo6pc]

How do the onion seedlings look so far? I'm growing onions for the first time so I'm following this video series to know if my seedlings are growing as expected.

[@wholefedhomestead]

I’ve been giving updates on my Instagram page in stories every week. 😊👍🏻

[@Richard-oo6pc]

@Whole-Fed Homestead Cool. I'll reactivate my old IG acct and check it out. Thanks!

[@keyoke69]

How many hours should your grow light be on for this?

[@wholefedhomestead]

I talk all about that in Part 2 😊👍🏻

[@keyoke69]

@@wholefedhomestead thanks. I just planneted mine today.

[@chocalatekid8024]

How do you know when they are "ready" to plant outside?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Just posted Part 2 of this series that talks about that 😊👍🏻

[@ballincobalt4184]

Am I fine to give them 16 hours of light each day?

[@wholefedhomestead]

I like to stick to about 12 personally.

[@joybrown8644]

Great video! I started onions indoors a week ago. I have three up, all of the red variety, no yellows. I planted them in seed starting mix. Do I have to start over with potting soil or can I just fertilize them? I also thought about possibly moving my little “cubes” (3-4 seeds per cube) into larger pots with potting soil.

[@wholefedhomestead]

I haven’t ever used seed starting mix for onions so I’m not sure what will happen there.

[@dustyflats3832]

Lol, one year I sowed too many in pot and chunked them out into containers of milk jug bottoms with holes. They did just fine.

[@HubertPenny-r4y]

Do I grow long day onion I n tx

[@SerialSpinner-ss]

No, you would go with short day. Up north where our summer days are extra long is where the long day onions are grown.