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Green onions are versatile vegetables that can be grown in containers. I had to include this guide because they are easy to plant and care for and can be harvested at different stages of maturity, depending on your needs.
In this blog post, I'll discuss how to grow green onions in containers, from planting to harvesting to storing. I’ll also cover common pest problems and how to solve them.
1. Planting green onions in containers
Start by filling a container at least 6 inches deep with well-draining potting soil. Then, place your green onion bulbs about 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart, making sure the root side is facing down.
Water thoroughly and place in a spot with at least six hours of sunlight daily. Keep the soil consistently moist, watching out for any yellowing leaves that may indicate overwatering. In just a few weeks, your green onions will be ready for harvest - cut off what you need, and the rest will grow back.
There are a variety of containers you can choose from. However, if you’re looking for a specialized container, I recommend going with her Hamama’s green onion growing kit as it makes the whole process more simplified, and it’s one of the only containers I have seen that is created for growing green onions.
You add the green onion ends and place them into the specialized container. Then just cut and come again.
2. Care for green onion plants
When choosing a container, ensure it has drainage holes at the bottom and fill it with well-draining potting soil. Place the container in a spot with partial sunlight and water consistently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
As the plants grow, use scissors to trim off the green tops for use in cooking. Give your green onion plants a fertilizer boost every few weeks to ensure continued growth.
3. Harvesting and storing green onions
When the plants reach about six inches tall, it's time for harvesting. Cut the onion tops at a diagonal just above where they meet with the soil, leaving some of the white base intact so that new shoots can continue to grow.
You can pop those green onions in the fridge, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and tuck them in a plastic bag. If you want them to last longer, freezing is an option, too! And hey, besides snipping off what you need for your dish, there are many ways to jazz up your cooking with this versatile veggie.
Use them in stir-fries or salads, blend them into soups or dips, or grill whole green onions for extra flavor on skewers or kebabs.
4. Pest problems and solutions for green onion plants
Green onion plants can also attract their fair share of pests. Watch out for pesky critters like aphids and onion thrips! You can keep them in check by using Neem oil or releasing helpful bugs like live ladybugs. Don't forget that dish soap, water, or organic horticultural oils also work well to get rid of aphids.
To further discourage pests, cleaning the gardening area and removing any damaged or diseased plants immediately is essential.
The most important thing is to monitor your crop and inspect it regularly for signs of pest infestation. If you catch the problem early enough, you can often eliminate it without chemical treatments.
FAQS
Can you grow green onions in just water?
You can regrow them in water by placing the white root end in a glass or jar of water. Change the water every few days, and new green shoots should appear within a week or two. Once they reach about four inches tall, you can snip them off and use them in cooking.
What is the best way to store green onions?
Green onions can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, placed inside a plastic bag, or frozen for extended storage.
What are some common pests that affect green onion plants?
Some common pests affecting green onion plants include aphids, onion maggot flies, and onion thrips.
How often should you water green onion plants?
Water green onion plants consistently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. As a general rule of thumb, container plants should be watered about once per week. However, the frequency may vary depending on weather and plant size.
What are the best-growing conditions for green onions?
Green onions prefer a sunny location and well-drained soil. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. When planting green onion seeds, be sure to plant them in loose, fertile soil about one inch deep and three inches apart. Once they germinate, thin the seedlings so that only the most robust plants remain. Green onion plants need consistent moisture to grow well, so water them regularly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. As the plants grow, use scissors to trim off the green tops for use in cooking. Give your green onion plants a fertilizer boost every few weeks to ensure continued growth. With proper care, these tasty greens will keep producing for months.
Can green onions be grown indoors?
Green onions can be grown indoors, although they need a sunny location. Place the plants in a south-facing window and water them regularly. Be sure to provide good drainage, as green onion plants are susceptible to root rot. You can also grow green onions under grow lights if necessary. Keep the lights on for 14-16 hours daily, and maintain a temperature of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are some common uses for green onions?
Green onions can be used in stir-fries or salads, blended into soups or dips, or grilled whole for an extra flavor on skewers or kebabs. They can also be used as a garnish or added to sauces and other dishes for extra color and flavor. Green onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways. Get creative and experiment with them in your cooking. You may be surprised at how much you like them!
What is the difference between green onions and chives?
Chives and green onions are different plants, although they are often used interchangeably in cooking. Chives belong to the onion family, while green onions are a bunching onion. Chives have a milder flavor than green onions, and their hollow leaves are often used as a garnish. Green onion leaves are solid, and their taste is more pronounced. When substituting one for the other, keep this in mind and adjust the amount you use accordingly.
Can green onions grow too big?
Green onions can grow too big if they are not harvested regularly. As the plants grow, use scissors to trim off the green tops for use in cooking. Give your green onion plants a fertilizer boost every few weeks to ensure continued growth.
Do green onions continue to grow?
Green onion plants will continue to grow as long as they are well cared for. Water them regularly, fertilize them every few weeks, and trim off the green tops as needed. With proper care, these tasty greens will keep producing for months.
With proper care, these tasty greens will keep producing for months. Enjoy the fresh flavor of green onions all year long!
