Onion Sturon ORGANIC

Growing organic onions, especially the variety "Sturon," involves following natural and sustainable practices without the use of synthetic chemicals. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grow organic onions:

**1. Soil Preparation:**
- Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Onions prefer fertile, loamy soil. Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and structure.

**2. Planting:**
- **Timing:** Onions can be grown from seeds, sets (small bulbs), or transplants. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings or plant sets in early spring. Onion sets are small, dormant bulbs available for planting.
- **Spacing:** Plant onion sets or seedlings about 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. If you're growing from seeds, thin the seedlings to the desired spacing.

**3. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the early growth stages. Onions need regular watering but avoid overwatering, as they don't like waterlogged soil.

**4. Mulching:**
- Apply organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the onion plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

**5. Fertilization:**
- Use organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide nutrients to the soil. Side-dress with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season.

**6. Companion Planting:**
- Onions can benefit from companion plants like carrots, lettuce, and chamomile. Avoid planting them near beans and peas.

**7. Pest Control:**
- Monitor for pests like onion thrips, onion maggots, and aphids. Companion planting with aromatic herbs like basil can help deter pests. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used as organic alternatives for pest control.

**8. Disease Prevention:**
- Practice good crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases. Proper spacing and good air circulation help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

**9. Harvesting:**
- Harvest green onions (scallions) when they reach the desired size. For mature onions, wait until the tops have fallen over, and the bulbs have reached their full size. Lift the onions gently from the soil, and allow them to cure for a few days in a dry, well-ventilated area.

**10. Successive Planting:**
- For a continuous harvest, consider successive plantings every few weeks.

**11. Saving Seeds:**
- Onions are biennials, producing seeds in their second year. If you're interested in seed saving, leave some onions in the ground over the winter. In the following spring, they will produce seed stalks, and seeds can be collected once mature.

**12. Organic Certification:**
- If you wish to officially label your onions as organic, follow the guidelines and requirements set by your local organic certification body.

Growing organic onions like "Sturon" involves creating a healthy and sustainable environment for your plants, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing the use of synthetic inputs. Following these practices will contribute to the overall well-being of your garden and the quality of your onion harvest.