Grow BIG ONIONS from seed: Part 2 seedling maintenance and planting

[@smathe3]

This is the best gardening instructional video I have ever seen. I'm serious. Cheers from South Carolina.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Well thanks so much, I really appreciate that!

[@annettevanderklippe1653]

I agree! So helpful 😊

[@SugunaMahesh-cu1yt]

I agree too❤

[@Cici1791]

I agree! 100%

[@malcolmt7883]

Now that's an efficient, well designed video. Right to point instruction, the whole process in 13 minutes.

[@Mark-u5u6x]

This grower came up with almost the exact same method I have used for years. When you do the bulk trimming, you can grab a bunch of the onion tops with one hand and cut the entire handful at once, then put those tops in a bowl for cooking later. Those tops can be added to soup, or mixed with an egg and fried - I usually use one large handful of tops, plus a few cloves of chopped garlic, mixed with one egg.

[@terriwoolf4523]

Total garden newbie here and I learned more from this one video than hours spent watching others. I feel much more confident about starting my onion seeds and can’t wait to see how they turn out.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thank you so much! And good luck!! 🥰

[@ienekevanhouten4559]

Excellent! I have been a fanatical gardener for half a century and I keep learning. This is the best most detailed video on onion growing I have seen. The only thing I will adapt from another channel is using vermiculite after sowing. It works beautifully to prevent all sort of mishaps, especially when dealing with fungus gnats.

[@wholefedhomestead]

I really appreciate that, thank you!

[@mroakarm]

I cut the roots back to about 1/2"-1" before i transplant them. This keeps from planting the bulb too deep and also helps keep the transplant sturdy. Works good.

[@otkseek]

Great tutorial on trimming the seedlings! I tried growing onions from seed back in the 1970's, but gave up because it seemed like an exercise in futility. So, like most gardeners I planted sets, which are short day onions I believe , not the long day onions I started some long day onions this year in early Feb, and trimmed them to 5" or so, and was hesitant to keep trimming them to 5". After watching your video, I'm going to give my onions another haircut. Best video I've seen yet on maintaining onion seedlings! Thanks for posting!

[@cbak1819]

Wow.. you are really detailed.. this is what mine needed.. thank you❤❤

[@roythompson6137]

Looks fantastic. I have had almost 0% germination this autumn /winter, with seed bought this last year... Trying different compost and a little extra heat...

[@TheMistakenGarden]

This is by far the best video on how to grow onions. Thank you so much for this! Out to the garden I now go! ❤

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thank you! Happy gardening!

[@jimjohandes]

Honestly I have been binging on your videos this morning. I believe you have made me a video addict! Very interesting content! Jim in California

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks Jim! 😊

[@BillAngelos]

waiting for part 3

[@cowboyblacksmith]

Following your advice this is the first time ever after four years of failure my onions from seed are healthy and doing excellent, I'm shocked. Thanks so much for your advice and help.👍🏻❤️

[@wholefedhomestead]

Yay!! Love to hear that- good luck!

[@donl9701]

WOW! what a brilliant video! I agree with the other posts that you have a gift! Subscribed :)

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks, I really appreciate that! 😊

[@jerischirmer9050]

I stopped using onion set several years ago and now only plant onions that are started by seed. I’ve been having the best onion crop ever since.

[@Whistlewalk]

Easily the best series of videos on starting thru harvesting onions that I have been able to find on KZbin. Thank you for your thoroughness. Maybe next year I will actually get some onions I can use. 🤨

[@wholefedhomestead]

I really appreciate that, thank you! 🥰

[@karenmouat7710]

I'm excited to grow onions this year after feeling defeated last year!! Thanks for the great instructions!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Good luck!

[@vanessapalmer9714]

Thank you for your video. I have only ever grown onions from sets but now I have bought seeds and I am ready to sow these just as you have instructed. I shall follow your videos that’s for sure.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Good luck!!

[@JS-jl1yj]

I am so glad that I came across this video, since I am just about to start planting onions from seed for the first time. This is the most comprehensive video that I have seen so far. Thank you so much. Now I am also going to watch the Part 1 and Part 3 and save all three of them for future reference.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertmeakings9774]

I have just come a crossed your onion videos and have found them very helpful 👍🥔🌱

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad to hear that! 💗

[@johnjude2685]

I'm afraid to trimming onions Wasn't happy first trimming try At 10 days, you're double the size of mine 😮 My seedlings mixture I added worm casting . My garage LEDS isn't equal to your so I should expect half the growth speed. I didn't see your planting video I've got to check out the planting seedlings video Very good looking seedlings 😮 Thanks

[@Kloren94]

This video is great!!! Such good instructions without giving too much complicating unnecessary info!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! 🥰

[@paolomaggi8188]

At last a good and complete explanation of what to do.....I tried tour method😢!..! I had big and healthy onions. Thank you very much! Greetings form northen Italy.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Love hearing that!

[@lisamarshall6001]

I bought cheap $2 onion seedlings from Walmart last year and it was a hot mess, onions in tray like this but they flopped everywhere. But separated them all out when I planted and got a few big onions that I planted with my strawberries. This year I’m doing exactly this and growing my own seeds. So far so good and hope I can get a few big ones again. Thank you for this video.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Best of luck!!

[@lindaarnold3091]

I have had difficulty with growing seed onion. This video is so helpful and learned a few things I can try. Thank you so much!

[@paullittle5200]

Very detailed video, just what I needed, thanks.

[@peterwalker6020]

Good Morning from the UK, I have learnt quite a lot from your videos. I have always grown onions from seed, it's so simple and compared to the price of sets it's an obvious choice. I didn't know that they are biennial, now you have explained it makes a lot of sense. We pay extortionate prices for our electricity and so there's no way I could use the fan or a light. I'm hoping this year to have some ready for our village show along with some of my other veg and flowers. I'll have to build a drying grid, that's a brilliant idea. I'll let you know if your help wins a rosette.

[@chriswise9674]

This was fantastic. I started my seeds about 2 weeks ago in small modules and wish I'd used your method. Next year. Excellent video. Keep up the good work.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks so much!! 💗

[@melanieeaton3344]

Just viewed your videos on onions, love it!!! On to part 3!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks so much!

[@bartman6591]

Liked, suscribed. Your video had a very good and straight to point information. Thank you.

[@daphneharnum6252]

I’m looking forward to following your videos and have a great crop. Thanks so much for your advice and keep the videos coming.! They are great!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! Good luck! 💗🌱

[@myhusbandsrib]

Just found ur vids, they’re amazing! Luv the step by step details ‼️

[@Royowski01]

Hi, beautiful voice and good explanation 👍👍👍

[@DawnOnBlueridgeMtn]

Thank you for these videos! My onion seedlings were a huge fail this summer. Looking forward to next spring!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Good luck! 🥰🥰

[@ABeag232]

Thank you for this helpful video! First year starting onions from seed here and so far so good!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Wonderful!

[@dillinpicklesworth5698]

Bulk trimming looks like a job for a hedge trimmer! 😁👍💯

[@elizabethmoffett98]

This was my first time watching this video, but I learned a lot about onion. I have been buying the green onions out of the store and setting the bottom part out. I notice how the green top flops over. Now I know to trim them like you do. I am in Texas, where it gets extremely hot in the summer. I have a package of big root yellow onion seeds that I am planting either last of February or early March.

[@albertbell7120]

Best video iv watched just going back to growing from seed, had bad results last few seasons with sets 👍🇬🇧

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thank you!! Best of luck!!

[@guitarislayf3377]

Well explained and learned alot.thank u so much!!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ruthannecoro6198]

Excellent video!! Im a bit late but Im going to sow my onion seeds today!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! Happy growing!

[@priayief]

Oops. I just watched and commented on your previous video, passing along a tip about rinsing the roots in water to untangle the roots.

[@mairzydotes3548]

Can’t wait to see part 3 of this really informative onion series.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Coming soon!!

[@Nanalovesselena]

This series is so helpful thank you!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad to hear that, thank you!

[@loisbowen2397]

I've tried growing onion sets and they just don't get big so this year I bought onion seed. Going to get planting those soon and have fantastic information to help me along the way thanks to your videos.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Good luck!

[@Gardenfrog]

Thank you for showing this. I have struggled with getting good roots on my onions from seed. I will follow your suggestions. Your onion starting tutorial is the best I have seen. I see what I could be doing better. Happy gardening.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! Good luck!

[@carynrupnick2599]

So helpful! Love this series of videos. Last year my onions never grew past the thin seedling stage. I'm following along with your videos and hope to have better success this year!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thank you! And good luck!!

[@purtis99]

This will be my first time to plant onions. How long is your time line from planting back to seed starting time...Thanks

[@supramby]

Her voice sounds just like some videos I watched when the family was planning a trip to Disney world.

[@eddiepersaud7422]

Wonderful info. Bestestest!! Please advise your Zone and your last frost. Appreciate.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Zone 4/Mid-may

[@chrismcgrew3159]

Thank You So Much! These are the BEST videos on Onions that I've watched. You are so specific & I love the time lapse so we see the whole process. Very excited to try it this way next year. I've never had an onion bigger than maybe a baseball. Also your voice is very soothing/calming to listen to. ❤😊

[@wholefedhomestead]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks! 😊😊

[@o.l.stegersgarden]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I've been starting my own seeds for about 5 years. I've never tried onions. I'm in North Texas and we plant ours in late January in the garden so I'm gonna start mine about Halloween. You do great job on your videos.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks- I really appreciate that! 🥰

[@daphneharnum6252]

Hi I’m from Newfoundland, Canada and love your videos on growing onions from seeds! This is my first time doing it and they are off to a good start thanks to you! I didn’t have e soil that fertilizer added so when would be a good time for me to give them a little and what kind and how much do you recommend? Thanks so much!

[@joaneharding]

This is my first year starting onions from seed. Just finding your video, but I think I am on track. I am glad to see how you personally planted. Hopefully, we will plant next week.

[@didibardwell1961]

Very much liked this 3 part onion series, once planted in the ground how did you fertilize? Thankyou.

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

i pretty much do almost the exact same routine, your method, too. However, I've only trimmed my onions once per season. Never knew that you trim it that much before transplanting outside. (Zone 6b/7a New England - Long Day!)

[@WPHWw-km1tk]

Very nice instruction. Thank you! Even better, please indicate your location/zone, as well as the planting dates. Love your videos.

[@LoveDaisyUS]

I have enjoyed part 1 & 2. Onions are the one thing I CANNOT grow! No success. But I have learned so much from these two videos I cannot wait for the end of January to start my seedlings. I feel like I can do it now. lol 😂

[@wholefedhomestead]

You can!! Best of luck!!

[@callyscraftycorner2463]

Same here, nothing in 3 years. I was even looking at purchasing transplants, but I’ll give it another try. Thank you.

[@battleground5384]

Becky from acre homestead sent me here! I live her and so happy to have found you too. These onion videos r so helpful! Thank u!! Also I'm curious what growing zone you are in? Thanks again!

[@battleground5384]

I love her* not live...

[@wholefedhomestead]

So glad they were useful! And Becky is so kind to mention me! 💗💗 We are zone 4 Wisconsin.

[@marvinferdig]

Great video on growing onions! In my trials I have found the same issues. You are right that the seed is finicky. I did not trim, but again you are right on in their growth process. The reason I started growing my own is that the starts are so expensive. This season the starts I purchased molded do to me not paying attention, we had an unusually rainy spring, the box was left outside in the rain and by the time I discovered my error $ 300.00 of starts were ruined. I am looking forward to Starting onions from seed next February.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Best of luck!!

[@twirlingswirlinggirl]

Such a helpful video. I started onions this year but the seedlings all died, not once but twice! My other seedlings did great but the onions were a disappointment. I've already added a note to my planting spreadsheet to come back to this video next March when I'm ready to try again. Thank you for pulling this together with such clear guidance!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Better luck next year!!

[@truth3358]

Never trim there in the uk mine end up 1 inch thick at bulb end

[@pshngo]

Awesome trio of videos. Growing from seed for my first time this season. Did I miss anything about feeding? I did not remember if you mentioned that. Thank you

[@wholefedhomestead]

I don’t feed them, but you may consider it if you have poor soil.

[@dougquinton4040]

Simply Brilliant - thanks !

[@robertmorley3609]

Excellent work! My problem has always been that the planted onions do not bulb up. They do well in the basement, but never seem to grow on when planted.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Are you growing the right day length type and starting them early enough?

[@chelseybriggs7482]

Great videos! Not sure if I missed it, did you say if/when you take them off the heat mat?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Right after they all sprout!

[@todmiller6880]

Excellent detail...you should teach classes!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Aww thanks!

[@catracampolieto8989]

I watch The Seasonal Homestead. She recommends your Freeze Fresh book. Decided to subscribe to your channel.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks and welcome! 🥰

[@diewithurbootzon2070]

glad I'm not the only one who needs cat barriers everywhere to protect my seedlings!

[@cindiraethayn4809]

My seeds have sprouted..Yay! Does this same method work for leeks?

[@wholefedhomestead]

I haven’t grown leeks, but I bet it’s similar.

[@sreid5966]

Great series. Thank you. What does "an inch a week" really mean. How do I DO it?

[@wholefedhomestead]

That's a good question and not one I'm the best to answer.... we don't typically have to water our gardens here because it rains every week.

[@AlhajSamsideen]

The trimming is a great additional knowledge, but does it makes the onions grow bigger or it’s just to support the leaves ?

[@wholefedhomestead]

It does make them thicken up, yes

[@tomm5228]

Great information, well done 😊

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thank you!

[@Jane-ez7yl]

Yeay finnally found a channel for my zone ! Im in southern Mn. So you dont chop the any roots And we hope this will not be another drought year as in 2021 2022 and 2023

[@wholefedhomestead]

I have a bad feeling about another drought year coming, but fingers crossed! And no I definitely don’t chop the roots.

[@Jane-ez7yl]

​@@wholefedhomestead Thanks, I have a feeling too the la Nina weather pattern is coming back I heard. yes this year my onions are going in ground not raised bed it doesn't work for soakers hoses cause of gravity , plus i had onion thrips last year and changing their location . But Good luck with this year gardens everyone!

[@cbak1819]

Q? What is your zone and frost date? We are recommended to put onions out end of March 4 weeks before last frost.. zone 6a. Four season long winters. They are cool season hardy. Long day onions. Might that be the reason you hesitate to put yours in, due to different requirement🤔

[@williamgreen6179]

? After the seedling are at stage 2, is 50 to 55 degrees too cold for them to grow indoors. I normally only keep my indoor grow room at about 55 degrees until march. This will be my first year starting onions in January. I did a test run in may this year with a tray. I will be using a heating mat and doom to start the seeds.

[@wholefedhomestead]

I would think that would be okay, but I haven’t firsthand tried that so couldn’t say for sure.

[@katelynw1631]

Can you eat the onion bits that get cut off with each trimming? I do when I trim sets, but I figured it was worth asking since I’ve never done sees before. Thanks! Amazing info in the video! I can’t wait to start my seeds this year!

[@wholefedhomestead]

Yes!! 😊

[@fortheluminary1555]

I purchased a tray of seedlings from an organic market gardener and he sowed them very heavily. Would you recommend thinning out but cutting some out completely or would you re-pot to achieve the lengths you have by offering more space in this early growth period?

[@deborah.q]

About how long between planting the seeds and when the onions are ready to be planted outside?

[@wholefedhomestead]

10 weeks or so, give or take

[@doncook3584]

One of my greatest frustrations. Big onions. Mine are not as vigorous on June 1 as those starts shown at beginning Maybe 4 leaves diameter of pencil. Most don’t survive the leggy look. Maybe 10 do. This did not show and I would like to see weekly picture along with growing zone and fertilizer regimen.

[@callyscraftycorner2463]

What did you you use to fertile your onions and how often did you fertilize them?

[@wholefedhomestead]

We don’t fertilize them!

[@sandraraituma]

Hi! How long was it from the sowing till they go in ground in the garden? Like 2 months? Thanks1

[@wholefedhomestead]

Yes, about 2 months 👍🏻

[@jennifergribbins4560]

😮 you do t like to hear a fan at night. lol I could not sleep with out one

[@kansasgardener5844]

I have a question concerning your lights. Are they T5? I use T5 4 bulb lights and they get pretty hot. I read that onion starts should be kept at 60-68° so I'm kinda reluctant to use them to close to the plants. How far away do you keep your lights. This is the first year I'm starting onions indoors so any info would be helpful. Great video series on onions probably the best on YT. Thanks.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! Yes they are T5 and they are warm. I keep them at least a foot or more up typically.

[@kansasgardener5844]

@@wholefedhomestead Thank you..

[@SashasGarden38]

New here. Awesome video🌱 thanks for sharing 😊

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks! 🥰

[@SashasGarden38]

@@wholefedhomestead You're welcome 🤗

[@fairgolfer]

Very information, thanks

[@megancouser4280]

Amazing! Thank you! These have been so helpful.

[@wholefedhomestead]

So glad to hear that! 💗

[@bloggalot4718]

Never heard of trimming onion seedlings before.

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

Very nice.

[@stephenmoberg8807]

Excellent

[@JohnAgim-kn6jt]

What will you do with the leaves after harvesting?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Check out the 3rd video in the series for that info!

[@jklin2987]

Last year my onions never bulked up. I wonder if it's because I planted too deep or covered with too much mulch. Can you talk a bit more about how deep to plant as well as the mulching issue, please?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Oh bummer! I did talk about how deep to plant in this video. And we don’t mulch- I do think it helps if they’re not buried. Also make sure you have the right type of onions for your latitude.

[@jklin2987]

@@wholefedhomestead I know you talked about planting depth but I couldn't see exactly how deep you went. I'm giving it a go again this year, minus the mulch. Thank you.

[@serresaschrock2359]

This is how I do my onions only I keep all my greens I trim off and use them as chives

[@donl9701]

Anyone know if this technique works with leeks as well? I.e., Trimming the of tops seedlings and outdoor plants?

[@lisastewart1967]

where are you located in Wi?

[@ginbing123]

when did you start seeding?

[@wholefedhomestead]

End of February or beginning March

[@janettreadwell7958]

I can not get onions to grow, they sometimes come up but only grow to the size of a piece of a thread and then die, should I fertilize them? Please help Tia.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Have you tried it following the exact directions I gave? Soil/water/light?

[@janettreadwell7958]

@@wholefedhomestead yes, just started some more after watching the video again 🤞

[@alyssaturner8385]

I followed your Instagram story for growing onions this year before this video was out. My onions did not get strong stalks and roots like yours, and they were babied. I’m thinking it’s because my seed starting cells were not as tall/deep. Do you think that has a big impact? I’m planning for next year and what I can do differently to help them.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Yes, the deep pot helps a lot. Strong light, and starting early in the season. Good luck!

[@moisesgoncalves3019]

Can someone share the link of part 1?

[@wholefedhomestead]

Check the video description for the links to other videos 👍🏻

[@matthickey6994]

Great video. Thanks for making

[@wholefedhomestead]

Thanks for watching!

[@gardeningplus7271]

All that work than blow flies come, and you get onion maggots few years back lost 1200 onion seedlings.

[@wholefedhomestead]

Oof