How to implement the Chinese method of planting onions on the hill ridges

Tips | April 9, 2024

Advice | 19.02.20

Onions, a staple in many kitchens, can be grown more effectively using the Chinese method of hill planting. Often referred to as the “lazy” method, this technique is popular for its simplicity and the superior quality of the onions produced. Here are detailed instructions on how to implement this method in your garden.

1. Understanding the ridge planting method:

The basics  : In this method, onions are sown not in flat, level soil, but in mounds or ridges of earth created with a hoe. These ridges are separated by shallow trenches.

Advantages  :

  • Faster weight gain with fruits.
  • Increased exposure to sunlight and light.
  • Improved immunity and resistance of plants to diseases and pests.
  • Easier maintenance: Weeding and loosening the soil is easier.
  • Protection against onion flies, especially during the pests’ breeding season.

2. Preparation and planting:

  • Timing  : Start sowing in spring when the soil warms up to +5 to +10 °C, usually at the end of April.
  • Soil Preparation  : Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter 6–8 inches deep and providing a well-drained soil environment with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Add fertilizers such as superphosphate, dolomite flour or nitroammophoska.
  • Selection and preparation of bulbs  : Choose bulbs with a diameter of about 15 mm. Warm them up 14 days before planting, making sure that the temperature does not exceed 40 °C.
  • Ridge formation  : Form ridges 15 cm high at a distance of 30 cm from each other.
  • Planting procedure  : Plant the seedlings 3 cm deep and cover with soil, making sure to keep it loose. Water immediately after planting.

3. Care and maintenance:

  • Watering  : Maintain consistent soil moisture by watering about 1 inch per week. Adjust watering according to soil conditions and weather.
  • Fertilization  : Fertilize three times during the growing season. In mid-May, use a urea solution, in June – potash fertilizing, and during the head formation period, water the beds with diluted superphosphate.
  • Weeding and loosening  : Weed and loosen the soil around the ridges regularly.

4. Harvest:

  • When to harvest  : Stop watering about a month before harvest, usually in late summer or early September.
  • Harvesting procedure  : Bend the tips of the bulbs when ¼ of the leaves have yellowed. After a few days, pull the bulbs out and let them dry in the garden, covered with foliage, for up to a week. Then place them in a warm, dry place with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks to cure.

5. Additional tips:

  • Spacing  : Space bulbs 2 to 4 inches apart, with at least 18 inches between rows. Spacing may vary slightly depending on the type of onion.
  • Planting Depth  : Plant the sets or transplants so that the tips are slightly above the soil.
  • Pest Control  : Cover bulbs with floating row covers or use diatomaceous earth to control onion root maggots.

The Chinese method of planting onions on hills is a proven technique that ensures larger, healthier onions with better storage capacity. This method requires minimal effort and is a great way to maximize your onion yield and enjoy the fruits of your labor all year round.

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