Planting Onions from Seed

[@williammelvin6371]

Im super glad that you cut right to the subject ,offer good details in each sentence and dint waste words needlessly. Well done. Professional

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks! I try to do just that!

[@tobtnosike9433]

Hi Jenna, you was enjoy planting onion seeds with this watering can. Thank you for planting onion seed, Jenna! Have you a lovely day! ❤

[@MichelletheGardner]

This video stuck with me all year! I ordered my seeds last week so i can get my onions started on time. Can't wait for new videos this spring. Sending love from NE Ohio. 💚

[@admirerofcreativity5295]

As someone in zone 4a I am extremely jealous that you're starting seeds right now

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You'll be sowing seeds before you know it!

[@pamalajjohnson9576]

Good I'm doing the same as you had really good big onions I do put wood ashes on ground where I put my onions and side dress with compost tea. KC, Missouri.

[@annw.2161]

@@pamalajjohnson9576 why wood ash? We have alkaline soil & unless we burn hardwood we do not use the ash except in our bird pens & houses

[@dustbustr91]

4b same here. …

[@chriswise9674]

I agree with William: get right to the point. Started my onion seeds 3 weeks ago in my grow tent in PA. Good video.

[@katrinaocc]

Thankyou so much for responding. I will definitely try them and see what happens 😊and i will let you know.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Please do!

[@wesh388]

I live in Ohio as well and have not had great success groing onions, but with all your helpful tips I'll likely have a much better crop this year. Thank you for these wonderfully thorough videos, Jenna!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck!!

[@traceydysert6096]

Hello neighbor! I'm in Ohio too! It's sometimes difficult to get onions to grow so know that it's not you. I'm not that great at starting them from seed but I do have great success buying onion starts. For the first time last year 2023, I grew onions the size of softballs! It's a lot of hard work and constant maintenance with feeding and watering. Your onions have to be topped off a few times during the growing season. Don't throw the tops away because you can use them in soups and stews and different meals that require chopped onions. The tops can also be dried in your oven on the lowest setting and then scrunched up into pieces. They can be stored in a jar with a lid up to two years or more. I hope you have a good year and can grow some really big onions! Good luck on your journey!

[@caitegraceify]

My great uncle Bernard was a potato farmer - he stored his potatoes and onions in creates he made from pallets - this allowed for good airflow and used materials he had hanging around

[@lindag4484]

I love that the holidays are still in the rearview mirror and we're 'talking onions'!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😄

[@wagonwheelfarm3092]

I planted mine last week. They sprouted yesterday. So exciting! I am in Missouri. First time planting from seeds I always planted bulbs onions. They never have done very well now I know why! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hooray! I'm glad to hear you've got yours planted- best wishes for a great harvest!

[@carlschnackel3051]

As expensive as everything is any more, growing your own food is like printing money. Great information. I had extra onion seedlings left after planting my peppers, tomatoes, etc. I remembered video that I'd seen (I don't recall who) where he planted rows of onions between his peppers and they thrived there. He had the peppers planted the normal distance apart, then he decided to add a row of onions between them as an experiment. Like I said, they thrived there because they root at different depths, so they're not competing for nutrients or water. I tried that this year, in addition to my raised bed that is strictly onions. I'll find out in a few months how well they're going to do for me. For me, it was not going to cost me anything because I already had the onion seedlings left over. They will either do well, or they won't. The worst thing that could happen is that the peppers steal all of the sunlight and they fail.

[@scottwilcox1934]

Started onion seeds Jan. 15th for the first time. I'm in zone 5a North Central PA. 2 varieties of long day Spanish onions from Renee"s and High Mowing. Looking good so far. Could not wait any longer to get growing. Tired of building bird houses! Have started Kale and . 4 kinds of tomatoes from saved seeds .Starting nevada lettuce, broccoli, peppers etc... I wish Feb. weather would return. We have received more snow in March so far! Enjoyed your video. Don"t worry about the barn.

[@stephenmoberg8807]

Patterson for me zone 6 b. I plant in a tin and gently tease them apart. Ty - I love your videos

[@leslienichols5268]

Growing in 5b Denver. Thank you for your pleasant, but not excessively chatty videos!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@SmallHoldingAtHillhigh]

Thanks for the reminder. I've been focused on growing "cut and come again" batches of lettuce in the Seed Shed, and forgot to start onions for Spring planting.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@heatherfisk9670]

I'm also in Ohio, zone 6a (O-H) but I've never had luck growing onions. I started them from seed last year, Ailsa Craig, in January but never got those huge onions I see others harvest even though I followed all the advice. I'm going to try one more year and then may call it quits if it doesn't work again. Thanks for the reminder!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sorry to hear that, Heather- but I'm glad you're giving it another shot! Just out of curiousity, have you tried the onion transplant like Dixondale farm sells dixondalefarms.com/product-category/onion-plants/? I find that these give me very reliable results.

[@heatherfisk9670]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I’ve tried transplants from my local farm supply store but not Dixon Dale. I might try that. Thanks!

[@Jerrboyy]

Growing in 7a! My onions will benefit from these tips!

[@kalimason6324]

I’m in the panhandle of western Nebraska in 5A. This is my first year growing from seeds. I’m getting ready to give mine their haircut. Thank you for the very informative video.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad to hear you're growing from seed this year- best wishes!

[@TheHomesteadTrail]

Just started mine here in IN! I made the mistake of starting mine the end of February last year; harvested a handful but they were tiny. Hoping for a great ‘23 harvest 💚

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you have a great '23 harvest too!

[@JustPassingBy011]

From Indiana too! I started my seeds in March and they did not amount to anything. Each year is a learning process. Sl glad I found this channel!

[@gregdoh]

Ah, perhaps this is why my kale and lettuce seedlings got so leggy- the heating mat that I'm so used to using when starting flowers and summer veggies. Awesome onions tips too, of course. Thank you!

[@dbhaze8377]

Here on the west side of Indy and this video reminded me that I needed to get my stuff ready! I will be starting my onions right behind you! Thanks Jenna!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Have fun sowing those onion seeds!

[@racinrick2538]

Straight to the point. By far the best onion from seed starting video. Thanks!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@BobBoogger]

Im in Central Ohio. I will say I am impressed. I can never get my onions to grow anywhere near as large as you. great channel. keep up the great work

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@JWDicus]

Thanks for the useful info. I have always direct sowed seeds right into my garden beds in the fall here in the Arizona low desert, Zone 9B. I just pluck out any that come up too close together and spread them out throughout the garden, as I read they are supposed to deter some pests. So I end up with a few rows where I sowed seed, and then just random onions spread throughout the rest of the beds wherever I had a gap to fill, and I harvest in July. After watching this video, I just sowed seeds into a tray for the first time to try it out. Looking forward to seeing how it goes!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope it goes well for you!

[@diannerichard2509]

I was wondering if I should trim my onions and you answered that question, thank you. I will be giving them a hair cut tomorrow.

[@trombjr]

I am in Alaska. Just starting my seeds for onions and shallots. Thanks for your video was just what I was looking for.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carrielovesprojects4080]

Thanks so much. I'm in Minnesota and I fail at onions, but this year I am determined to succeed!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You can do it!

[@aprilattig6730]

I'm 6b in SW Missouri. Even though we are only an hour from the Arkansas border, elevation puts us in a cooler growing zone. I am excited about getting my onions started for the year! Yours look amazing! I look forward to gleaning more tips. I lived in Mt. Vernon for my first ten years and had family up around Vermilion.

[@rondam987]

We are Neighbors, I live just north of Springfield, Mo. Was born and raised in Andover, Ohio. Also have lived in Oberlin and Ashland. Hopefully getting my onions started this week.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope your onions do fantastic this year, April!

[@johnjude2685]

As advised I planted in planters January 18 and thanks for the heads-up I'm also starting the starting bulbs in my planters as soon as greenhouse has in stock until they are 4 inches above ground then planted on top ground only burying roots

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wonderful!

[@brianseybert2189]

South central WI. I usually start my onions on New Years day, this year I went with the winter solstice, maybe something magical will happen. Walla walla, red globe and yellow of parma, plus I started my carentan leeks. The red onions were a bit slower to germinate but everybody is up and growing. I start my onions in a potting mix of 40% leaf mold, 40% aged compost and 20% aged worm castings (everything that I produced). I use aged compost and castings because it potentially has less nitrogen. The longer the bacteria are active in the compost and worm castings the less nitrogen. I'm not sure if it makes a whole lot of difference. All I feed my seedlings is compost and worm casting extracts. Did this for the 1st time last year and everything did fine. Aiming to be completely sustainable. Good to see a new video!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope something magical does happen! Sounds like an excellent seed starting mix!

[@cindybird1716]

Thank you for the reminder. Last year was the first time I grew onions, I think you solved my problem of small onions. I started my seeds to late and planted them to late, SW Ohio. I always look forward to your videos, thank you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are so welcome!

[@davidwarden3269]

Been doing seeds last 3 yrs. Same zone. Springs ain't been the same. Going to raised bed for early crops. Cool rain till June then hot and dry. Onions didn't make it. Good vid.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree- the springs have been tricky here too. Never predictable!

[@carahoglund5266]

I just sowed some Purplette onions a few days ago (along with some lettuce for my grow room) and will get my leeks started in a week or so once i get the seeds. Northern IL, 5a.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wonderful!

[@papawsplace]

Glad you put this video up. It remined me I need to start my onions seeds.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnjude2685]

BIG THANKS for early heads up.I have my best crops (as of yet and you might teach me better) .My best results are putting the onion sets into my wife's flower planter in our sunroom and like them about 4 tall with roots a little longer so I can plant bulbs at surface buried the roots and they standing the next day. I'm going to listen to your teaching and order some seeds today and your advice is usually spot on. Thanks Gardener Lady

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're most welcome, John!

[@johnjude2685]

Gardener Scott said he would be doing some shows with other KZbin University Teachers and I asked him to address you as a guest and 2 others viewers back me up .If he calls you join in and make us happy. You are the best for anyone that garden clay base soil and that's a large group. Thanks for teaching us 3 and many

[@TJtheHAWK]

Perfect timing Jenna. I'll be sowing my onions this weekend in zone 6a New Hampshire. This year I'm growing yellow of Parma, Barolo and purple haze red onions and white sweet spanish. I typically like to transplant in the first week of April.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice! I'd love to hear what you think of the Purple Haze onion!

[@justsomeguy6133]

I grew Yellow of Parma last year. It’s a good onion, and stores well. It did seem to have a tendency to “double“ for me. About a third of them actually split inside. They’re still perfectly good and usable, but you can’t make onion rings or anything with them.

[@mesandz2623]

Really to the point and I’ve learned a lot - different kinds of onions , steps and tips for strong production growth👌🏽

[@ceepark114]

This year I will be growing onions from seeds for the first time. I usually grow from onion plants from the nursery but am having a harder time finding the varieties I like. I am in zone 8b Washington State, Western side. Thanks for a great video.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck!

[@shandysgarden]

I'm right here with you girl! Hamilton Ohio. Thanks for the reminder and the tips. This will be the first time I'm actually doing this from seed so I'm excited! Now I know all the things I've been doing wrong by watching several videos. Happy growing ❄️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear you're growing from seed- best of luck!

[@jamesday3389]

Im growing onions for the first time ever this year outdoor. Im in New Mexico. I had success with corn, squash, jalapenos, and pumpkins. I want to add onions, garlic, and some other herbs to that. The video helped me alot. Thank you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck, James- I hope your onions do great this year!

[@goshagrandchild6500]

I'm in 6a in Kansas, certainly excited to start the garden flow again!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Me too!

[@BushcraftNFun]

6b in Ontario. I started onions yesterday. Sweet Spanish. Looking forward to watching them grow.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!!

[@brookesanders5193]

Oh I started mine (zone 6a) on Dec 31! Thanks lady!! 😁

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Perfect!

[@lesmar234]

In zone 7 DE and getting ready to plant my onions. Thanks for the refresher.

[@bluewolf4915]

5B Upper Michigan. I never really thought about starting onions this early but I think I'll try it. Started them in April last year and was going to start earlier anyway.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi neighbor to the north! Give it a shot!

[@the_burg_urban_garden]

I just started my onion seeds yesterday! I can’t believe I remembered to do it 😏 (also in zone 6a here)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!!

[@Javaman92]

I saw this yesterday and felt you did this for me. 😀 However I actually did start my onions about 5 or 6 days ago. I'm thinking after watching your video that I should put them deeper in the soil. I basically sprinkled seed starting mix over them but I can see many seeds still sitting on top. I was thinking that I heard that onion seeds like light to germinate. Since you didn't say that I don't think that is correct. I was out digging in the garden today. Yes, January 7 and the ground isn't frozen. It's kind of crazy. I worry about my garlic. Anyway, watching this made me smile. I'm going with you were thinking of me when you sent this reminder, so thank you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I was thinking of you 😄. I've always sown mine at about 1/4" and they germinate well- I've not heard that they need light to germ.

[@Javaman92]

@@GrowfullywithJenna You made my day! 😀 I have plenty of onions up about a half inch or so. I didn't go crazy with the seeds because there is only so many onions I can eat or store or give away. I threw away 4 butternut squash today, or what was left of them after the mice feasted on them. I still have 7 or 8 left. Anyway, thanks for the smile.

[@rspranchinmontana]

I am starting my onions today actually. i live in the high mountains of Montana and we are zone 3. Im grateful for all your wonderful advise on here because trying to grow anything up here is a crazy challenge!!! we have bizarre snowstorms blow through every month of the year and have to compete with deer, elk, moose, bear, and all! hahaha!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You’ve certainly got your work cut out for you! I thought dealing with rabbit and deer was tough!

[@rspranchinmontana]

@@GrowfullywithJenna LOL! well, the critters are a challenge for sure but if you go look at my recent Short video on here? You'll see what the REAL challenge is!! We just got hit with a blizzard and it drifted over our entire house! We had to dig our way OUT of the doors and then tunnel our way to equipment and animals. Now is 38 below zero windchills to cope with. CRAZY!

[@michaelshoop5616]

I'm in zone 6B Maryland and I'm planting mine this week.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy sowing!

[@gina55555]

Best gardening channel I have found. I love that we are in the same zone. Thank you for the wealth of information you share!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow, thank you so much, Gina!

[@gina55555]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Hey Jenna! I'm a bit stressed and wondered if I could get your 2 cents on a situation with my onions. I'm a fellow Ohioan and started some long day varieties from seed down in my basement under really great grow lights. I don't have a timer and was very inconsistent with how many hours of light they received. It probably averaged 12-16 hours per day depending on when I would remember to turn them off at night. I recently came across a guy giving onion growing advice and he mentioned that you must be watchful of the duration of time you expose your onion seedlings to light or your onions will begin to bulb and you won't get a good bulb for that growing season. EEEK, I never once considered this! Do you think there is truth to this? I pulled up a few sacrificial onions plants from their cells to inspect but didn't see signs of bulbing. Would you suspect I my little onion plants are doomed? I am trying to determine if I should pick up some starts at the store or if I may still have a chance of my young plants bulbing this season. UGH! Any knowledge/thoughts you can send my way would be so very valued!

[@toddvance4592]

Planted my onions last year per your recommendation and they did great. Thanks.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm so glad to hear that!

[@mdlanor5414]

Please excuse the extra long comment. Your KZbin channel is my go to channel whenever I am having a problem with seed germination or anything else to do with gardening. I have never had good luck with growing onion from seed. I grow yellow Granex onions seeds. That I know are fresh because I harvested them from previous onions that went to seed. 10 days from sowing my onion seeds. I place at least 20 onion seeds in a damp paper towel in a Ziploc bag in a sunny window in my house where the temperature is 72° the window gets pretty much full sun most of the day. Generally within 3 to 5 days. These onion seeds germinate. I usually get 100% germination. I will then sow a few hundred onion seeds in flats with humidity covers. In the same window that I test germinated my onion seed.I generally get only 20 to 30 percent germination. I use my homemade potting mix. That consists of Peat moss, perlite, sand from my yard and mature compost, that I screed everything but the perlite through a 3/8” mesh screen. After throughly washing my pots out with soapy water. I then,sterilize this potting mix. By putting it in large pans into a 300°F oven until it reaches 250Degrees Fahrenheit. Before using my homemade potting mix. I add enough boiled and then cooled water to make it moist.In a sterilized 5 gallon bucket and lid. I also sterilize my pots that have drainage holes in them. With a 10% Clorox to 90% water. I always have excellent results using my homemade potting soil with all plants that I grow from seed. After sowing the onion seeds. I placed them in a sunny window and cover the planters with a plastic dome. This sunny window gets sun most of the day. Any onion seeds that do germinate. Produce excellent quality onions. Why am I not getting more than 20% to 30% germination? When the paper towel plastic bag method. I usually get 100% germination.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

My gut instinct is that the combo of the sunny window & the humidity cover is making the temperature inside the seed starting flat too high for ideal onion germination. Remember that that dome is acting as a mini greenhouse and amplifying the effects of the heat from the sun- so while it may be 72F in your home, it's likely much warmer inside the humidity cover. Since onions don't have to have full light to germinate- I would recommend moving the trays out of direct sunlight until the seeds germinate and see if that yields better results. Otherwise it sounds like you're doing everything right!

[@voss_homestead.oh.chapter]

6a here too. I came across your channel yesterday and I have been soaking these videos up. I am planting onion seeds today for the first time. (EEK, I hope its not too late) I usually do sets. The last couple years they just have done horrible! Thank you for all the time you have put into these videos, I feel like I am taking a crash corse.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best wishes for great onions!

[@elaineaugustin9189]

I am in Arkansas, zone 6a. Starting my onions from seed this week! Thanks for the helpful information!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy sowing!

[@Singing-elephant]

Thank you. I will try this year . Hope you have a great harvest every years

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear you're going to try it!

[@nicolepapole]

I'll be starting mine in a few days!! Currently setting up a gutted basement bathroom to a grow room!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hooray! Have fun with that new grow room!

[@suemar63]

Such helpful info. This will be my first year growing from seeds. I've gardened for 40 years and have never done that . I'm excited to try several varieties and see which does best in my western Illinois garden. Previously, I bought seedlings .

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck, Susan!

[@rondatellier2885]

I’m in Northern NH 4B. I have been starting onions for the last 3 years and get great onions. Actually they grew too big for me so I chose smaller bulb onions for this year. I start mine mid to late February and plant outside late April or first week in May. Our last frost date is around May 25th.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice! Too big is not a bad problem to have!

[@TheNatureBoy1]

Hey me too!! New Springfield ohio! I'm trying g to become self sufficient. Your vids help forsure. Thank you much

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great to hear from a fellow Ohioan!

[@carolsharp1375]

I'm in Hot Springs, Montana. Our growing season here is alittle different then the rest of the state, we tend to warm up earlier in the spring which is nice. We are in a plains, lots of sage brush and Russian olives. This will be my first time growing onions from seed. So wish me luck. and thanks for great videos, they make me feel like all things are possible. lol

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck, Carol!

[@lindamueller7592]

I have mine germinated in Central IL! 6A. Thanks for the tips.

[@jefffarris9238]

I'm in 6A too, but in Rhode Island. Just planted my onion seeds yesterday on Jan. 18th. Ditto on just about everything you said - long day obviously given my latitude, and I also prefer cells to the broadcast method, although that works ok as well. I also do the trimming. One thing you did not address in this video (maybe you did in the others) is sweet vs. storage onions. Most sweet varieties do not store all that long. I like the Patterson variety for storage, although I did start some Walla Wallas this year also.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've talked about the different types a bit in other videos, but I generally grow a mix of everything every year. Like you- I prefer Patterson for long storage. Candy is my go-to for fresh eating.

[@michaelmarchione3408]

We didn't grow onions last year because out freezer still had quite a few packages left. I like the info you just shared. I never tried starting onions early. I wold rather buy onions from a market than trying to grow them from sets lol. We just never really got any nice size from sets. Enjoyed your advice! Bunching Onions do very well up here in zone 4a. Take care!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You may have told me this before- but do you just chop up your onions and freeze them? I did a few freezer boxes like this last year, but never got to use them as my storage onions lasted long enough.

[@PYehl1]

I started some the other day in the greenhouse. This year I’m planting Red Carpet, Red Baron, Granex Yellow, Yellow Sweet Spanish and Gladstone. Also started some Comanche leeks as well for Spring planting. I’ll be starting more seeds in Feb to have some for a later harvest. 1st set should harvest in June and 2nd set in Aug/Sept.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice! Have you grown Gladstone before? That's one I've not tried.

[@PYehl1]

@@GrowfullywithJenna yep grew some last year as well.

[@janwilletts1986]

Watching from the UK. We have different varieties here but the methods are the same ! Traditional to sow onion seeds onBoxing Day(26 th December) here, so I’ve sown mine in seed trays in my greenhouse.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I like that tradition! I may have to borrow that 😄

[@samanthahoos9827]

Thank you for the notification! All onion seeds started indoors -72 cells.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wonderful!

[@LukasLife01]

Im sorry about the disaster taking place around you in Ohio recently, i pray your crop survives and you remain healthy and strong.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you. I'm lucky to be on the opposite side of the state, but I worry about all directly effected as well as the downstream effects.

[@kangtani_indonesia]

thank you for sharing information about onion farming information that is very useful and adds inspiration to my farm

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are most welcome

[@karenkillian8303]

I’m in 6b and I’m experimenting with winter sowing the seeds outdoors. I plan to do have a back up and do some indoors as well, jic.

[@kittiew260]

Winter sowing is great as long proper crops & the spring doesn't go up & down. I did 148 jugs last year 90% success rate. Mainly annual Flowers. Herbs, Cole crops, did do tomatoes and peppers to experiment but we got warm then cold then boom summer so they didn't work exactly as anticipated.

[@kittiew260]

Any seed that needs cold stratification is perfect for WS. My bells of Ireland were stunning & lavender/rosemary. Now for it to get cold enough steady enough to start. Good luck post your updates please and share with us all.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'd love to hear how the winter sowing turns out. I sowed some last year in my winter sowing experiment, but I think it must have been old seed, as nothing germinated.

[@karenkillian8303]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I’ve always purchased starts from a local nursery in the past so seeds at all is new to me. I got my onion seeds from MIgardener so I’m hopeful for good germination. I’ll keep this updated.

[@justsomeguy6133]

I’m a zone warmer (7a/6b line) in Maryland but at similar latitude to Central Ohio. I’m planting mine as soon as my cell packs arrive from Amazon which should be on Monday. I actually plant about the same time you do but toward the earlier side (mid March). I also grow long day and intermediate day.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy planting! Hope those cell packs arrived on time!

[@dustyflats3832]

I had failure last year because I did netted flats with coir and it held too much water and molded. I should have added a lot more perlite, but read coir has salts and I’m just using potting soil or a peat and perlite mix with a bit of granular fertilizer from now on. I had to buy onion plants last year and with the prices I just seen I cant fail this year. I got these cool air layering cell trays today from Bootstrap Farmer. So excited to use and think I will plant onions in those this year. I got 2” pots also from them and was pleased they were deeper than expected to plant tomatoes and peppers in as I am aiming to plant just at the right time to avoid up-potting. Everything gets to big in the heat of the house so I want to start as late as possible as it doesn’t pay to plant out and a frost/freeze hits. Now I know some in Z5a start onions in January, but I think that’s too early. Our frost date is about May 15th. For me, I want to harvest as late as possible closer to cool weather. In a way I don’t think we have much choice on onions as the bulbing starts on the summer solstice and they will grow at there own set schedule. I’m not sure if there is much benefit to starting onions over 8 weeks prior to setting out. The number of green fronds will dictate the size of bulbs and I know setting out onions too early sets them back in a frost/freeze. Last year we had a horribly hot spring, so much that it changed the colors on tulips and flowering crabs. I had muddy salmon tulips when they were to be bright and news anchor showed his red crab from last 2 years where it was red and last year pure white. Local nursery said it was the heat and they had numerous calls on this. Yes, to trim the seedlings as they shouldn’t be allowed to flop or they will die. And No to trimming once transplanted unless there are a few with major damage. Bacteria can enter those fronds and it causes a sneaky bacterial rot in the heart of the onion you can’t see until storage later. Ask me how I know😉 I’m also planting potatoes another week later than last year for 2 reasons: To miss frost/freezes and for later harvest. We always did the old timer method of Good Friday potato planting and the weather is too crazy. We get late frost/freezes and I’m tired of fretting over frozen spuds, so I will wait another week if only for that reason. Much prefer harvesting these two crops in drier cooler fall. This warm weather in January is AWFUL and concerning! Upper 30s, 40s and 50 is to hot! I’m rethinking my winter sowing project because it’s too Hot! They will sprout and freeze. I’m concerned about plants/trees breaking dormancy. We have RAIN and very little snow to a dusting. We were ahead on precipitation, but we need cold and snow-drought last 2 years. I will wait until mid February or later and if it’s not colder I will set the jugs in the shade. Accuweather 30 day prediction shows we won’t get colder to a normal below zero until very end of January to beginning of February. I just read over half of ski resorts (France/Switzerland) are closed because of the heat and it showed no snow. Things are changing and I get a bit miffed when the meteorologists and news anchors get all giddy about this Hot weather. It’s not a good thing! The next heading will be those people crying they can’t get apples at their favorite orchard.😏 Great video, THANK YOU and enjoy the chats!😊 **Where is the best place to find perennial seeds? The plants are all $15!!** I’m chatty, but I have cabin fever, seed catalog hangover, concerns and a nervous credit card😂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Let me know what you think about those trays from the Bootstrap Farmer- I looked at some of those but didn't want to splurge on them just yet. I'm with you on the weather- it got super cold here, then super warm- now it's hovering right around freezing. It needs to just get cold and stay cold-- kill off some of those bugs! What type of perennial seeds are you looking for?

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I haven’t planted yet, but I was checking prices and sizes of trays and containers. Last year I decided I had enough with cheap seed starter trays so I Finally found them at Greenhouse Megastore. I found out that the humidity domes they sold are Just shy of sitting flat over their heavy duty trays. They still work, but not totally seated. Now I found Bootstrap Farmers air layered cell packs and 2.5”x3” individual pots and loaded them up in the Megastore heavy duty trays. They all fit, but the 2.5” pots could be a bit wobbly (don’t have dirt in yet) and the air layered cell packs allow a 3/4” extra space on length. All is fine, just wanted people to be aware that all components may not fit nicely together even if they are from same company. Bootstrap seems pretty good at letting you know what fits, like if I want the tray that hold 2.5” pots stable that it would then only fit in the no holes micro green tray. Right now I will just use the 2.5” pots in the megastore’s heavy duty trays without holder from Bootstrap. The pots are tapered and 3.5” to the 2.5” tray, a bit wobbly, but will probably sit better once filled. If a gardener wants 1 or 2 flats I would suggest buying at nearby nursery. If you need 5 or more flats order them to save money. The cost is half what our premier nursery charged. I thoroughly perused the seed catalogs. Never had catalogs before until this year as I always bought locally. Glad I got catalogs as it was easier to see and compare all varieties. So we made the trek to local premier nursery and I knew they carried Botanical Interest, Renee’s, Seed Saver, Burpee. I wanted a better oregano and you mentioned one from Johnny’s, but many companies require a large order for free shipping and that’s a no-go for me. So I was happy to see they had Italian oregano and borage. THEN the danger began🫣🤭🤤😂🤪 I didn’t stop at that point!🤣. I found many perennials that will be new and some old and exciting that may grow in my sandy dust! I got Sea Holly, Prairie Blazingstar, Mix Echinacea. Some more beautiful colored poppies as they worked Great in winter sow last year and were such a bright spot I had to have more especially dark grape to go with those red orange ones. A biannual Canterbury Bells were successful 2 years ago and a cup and saucer vine that was interesting. Many others I found that were not perennials, but reseed. Sweet peas, Calendulas, Foxglove, Cleome, Bachelor Buttons in new colors, new sunflowers, Dahlias from seed which I never had, but always admired, Hello Yellow Butterfly Weed (have 1 plant for years, but I keep forgetting to get pods before the animals). Trying the Adam’s Atomic Grape, A Grappoli D’Inverno and WI 55 as why not I live here and never grew our tomato. Some reviews were not impressive about taste, skin texture and size may be too large on the grape varieties. Still looking for the perfect grape tomato and not sure if there is an heirloom-looking for taste and crack resistance. Can’t wait to winter sow and hope most take well as with all these varieties I wouldn’t have room to start inside. If it works the joy of all the new flowers I’ve never tried will be worth it. Anyone have a favorite grape tomato?

[@Monicaa-u2s]

I started my onions from seed today!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hooray!

[@91210paige]

I've never grown onions from seeds. Always started with Starts but have had them bolt on me. I am going to start seeds this year. You just showed me a mistake I was making by trimming as they grew outside. Excited and nervous to try this.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Good luck!

[@tinasmith9998]

Organizing my seed starting room now, onions are my first seeds to start, followed by peppers and ground cherries! Most other things I wait til April.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Have fun organizing that seed room!

[@davidmcleod5622]

Belmont County (eastern Ohio) 6a also never started from seeds always sets but doing so today

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yay! Glad you're trying seed this year, David!

[@briannasmith8481]

I started the first two dozen on Monday! Doing more tomorrow :)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!!

[@robertadcox8419]

Hi Jenna. Very good video. I'v never done the large onions from seed, only bunching type. I have got to try this based on your comment that they will actually catch up to the onion sets you can buy. Your tip on the fan is so correct. I have been using a fan on all my seedlings in the last few years in my small seed starting outdoor hoop greenhouse and have not had any issues with damping off diseases. But now it is confession time. Because of your great videos and enthusiasm I have a row of garlic planted, never done garlic, a small row of seed potatoes planted based on your video for the winter, and tomatoes growing in my small hoop greenhouse. You are killing me (LOL)😂😂because I generally take the late fall and early winter off for gardening. The tomatoes are now blooming and I have been shaking the plants for pollination, the garlic are coming up (I don't know if that is a good thing) and the potatoes are down there about 6 to 8 inches doing something. Now I have to try this on large onions. I am not sure about the seeds for onions where I live because once we get into late May early June it gets hot and my experience with onions is they shut down when it gets hot. We typically grow short days onions in eastern NC. But, I'm gonna try it. Thanks for your enthusiasm!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha 😆-- it's not my intent to kill you, but I'm so glad to hear you're trying new plantings! Which tomato varieties are you growing?

[@robertadcox8419]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Better Bush, Volante, Rocky Top. Got all the seeds from Holmes seeds. The Better Bush looks like best

[@CurlyQsgarden]

Started mine a couple days ago! SW Ohio 😊. Also started some pansies!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear it! And thanks- you reminded me to get some pansy seeds!

[@kimgraham7359]

Midwest City, Oklahoma, I'm starting from seed this year for the first time, wish me luck!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best wishes-- you can do it!

[@rockymeadow7311]

Thanks for the reminder to start onion seeds. I'm in 6A, Ct.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@chriscwikla7558]

I'm going to try trimming, that's a great idea. I grow Walla Walla onions in north east Oregon. About 80 miles south of Walla Walla Washington. Needless to say that they grow well here also.

[@curiouscat4377]

Wow! I did not know I can start seedlings this early in NY. Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yep! Great way to get your gardening fix this time of year!

[@michaelwatkins3842]

This is the way. I’m glad you mentioned day length. I’m wondering why down in the southeast the big box stores only sell long day onions. WTF? Growing from seed is the only way to get big bulbs, and yes, you must start early with this method down here.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow... wtf indeed?! I have to guess that the person in charge of purchasing at those stores is not a gardener!

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

A little north and east of you, outside Columbus. Giving this a try this year. Thanks for the tips.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello neighbor!

[@sewingbreesinger4831]

Awesome! Zone 6a in NY! Will be starting my onion seeds today! Thanks for the reminder!!! ✌💗🌈🐢🌱🌻🐝

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy sowing!

[@NicolaiAAA]

I did onions from seed - but I direct sowed. I think next year I'm going to go with indoor starts. I don't have a setup like most folks, but I'll see what I can do to make it work! (the south facing bay window helps!)

[@TransdermalCelebrate]

Lovely too hear from a fellow gardener, my Best Wishes for the New Year 👍❤️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Same to you!

[@DanJonesShow]

6a as well! East Cleveland! I am doing a raised bed first time and watching this to learn. Great stuff definitely subbed I need all the Ohio outdoor growing advice as possible. I did container outside last year and had decent success and really enjoyed it. I also have an indoor lab so that helps with getting stuff started indoors while waiting for winter to end in June

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great to hear from a fellow Ohioan! Best wishes for a great growing season!

[@TransdermalCelebrate]

It’s always a great pleasure to see growth 👍❤️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It is indeed!

[@heartsong111]

I'm in zone 5b in West Michigan and our snow tends to stick around for a long time. I'm definitely going to start onion seeds this year. They didn't grow very fast last year when I direct-sowed them. I'm just going to have to wait longer than I prefer. I'm so itching to grow! I do have my dwarf tomatoes growing, though.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I know what you mean! I'm itching to grow too!

[@andrewshenton6541]

In vermont i will start at the end of feb or just before zone 4b,and always use seed,plus you can get way more variety’s which is always fun for any vegetable

[@holisticheritagehomestead]

Great video! I am about to plant some onion seeds in a moment. I don’t think I have ever grown onions from seed. I hope they grow well. I have to learn more about the different types as far as short, intermediate, and long day varieties. Be well.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck!

[@christophergetchell6490]

This might be a year old, but I'm definitely looking for guides right now so that I remember to get mine started, which I thought I was going to early! Looks like I'm a little late!

[@rachelbee7921]

I mean...I couldn't help but sub. You are a WEALTH of information and bountiful energy!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏽

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@michelleparry3668]

I’m zone 6a in the Finger Lakes Central NY region. We just set up our grow lights yesterday so I can get the onion seeds going. This year I’m trying Yellow of Parma from Seed Savers. It’s supposed to be an excellent storage onion as well as tasty. 🤞🏻

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sounds great!

[@MichaelleCzaplapreferredpronou]

I'm also in FL same zone (Just N of cndga) and happy to have found Jenna near my zone! I've never grown onions, scallions from Fruition seeds (Naples) and organics from Harris seed (Rochester). Will check seed savers :) SO HAPPY others are doing this this time of year. 3rd year in my current in-ground garden. Michelle: when will you transplant them out?

[@latauarobison6521]

I’m from Arkansas river valley and this is first year starting from seed. I and still waiting for them to get more leaves. Going to start feeding them Now.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck!

[@TheMistakenGarden]

Thank you for this video. I have been trying to locate a helpful onion seed planting videos. ❤ I’m planting potato onions this year.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anissaferringer4965]

I am going to grow from seeds and sets this year. Last year was my first attempt at seeds and I failed miserably. This year I am going to start sooner (even though I have no grow lights or southern windows so in the house is a dangerous place to be for little plants) AND try winter sowing onions. I can't give up sets until I get growing from seed down.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best of luck, Anissa!

[@theasianwitch]

Super helpful, just about to start my onion seeds...I'm so excited!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danielbencar4068]

Amazing video, will start my Onions seeds this week.. From zon 7, SWEDEN

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Have fun starting those onions seeds!