Growing Spring Onions in November: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners

Spring onions, also known as scallions or green onions, are a versatile and easy-to-grow crop that can be planted in various seasons. While many people associate spring onions with spring planting, November is also an excellent time to grow them, particularly in milder climates. This guide will walk you through the entire process of growing spring onions in November, from selecting the right varieties and preparing the soil to planting, caring for, and harvesting your crop.

Why Grow Spring Onions in November?

Growing spring onions in November offers several advantages, especially if you’re looking to maximize your gardening efforts:

Cold Tolerance: Spring onions are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures. They can thrive even in light frost, making them suitable for late autumn planting.
Quick Harvest: Spring onions are fast-growing crops, allowing for a quick turnaround from planting to harvest. You can enjoy fresh spring onions within a few weeks of planting.
Succession Planting: Planting spring onions in November allows you to extend your growing season and stagger your harvests. This means you’ll have fresh onions available even during the winter months.
Minimal Space Requirements: Spring onions can be grown in small spaces, making them perfect for container gardening or small garden beds.

Choosing the Right Spring Onion Varieties for November Planting

When selecting spring onion varieties for November planting, it’s essential to choose those that are known for their cold tolerance and fast growth. Here are some recommended varieties:

White Lisbon: This classic variety is known for its mild flavor and is perfect for growing in cooler temperatures. It produces tender white bulbs and green tops.
Bunching Onions: Also known as scallions, these onions don’t form bulbs and are harvested for their green tops. Varieties like ‘Evergreen’ or ‘Tokyo Long White’ are excellent choices for late planting.
Egyptian Walking Onions: Unique for their ability to produce small bulbs that can be planted in the ground, these onions are hardy and will continue to grow even in colder weather.
Red Onions: If you prefer a more robust flavor, consider planting red onion varieties like ‘Red Baron.’ While they may take slightly longer to mature, they add color and depth to your dishes.

Preparing Your Garden Bed for November Planting

Before planting your spring onions, it’s crucial to prepare the garden bed properly to ensure healthy growth. Here are the steps to follow:

Select the Right Location: Spring onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil Preparation: Spring onions thrive in fertile, loose soil. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content.
Check Soil pH: Spring onions prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0 to 7.0). Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and make adjustments if necessary. You can add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it.
Weed Control: Clear the planting area of any weeds or debris. Weeds compete with your spring onions for nutrients and water, so it’s essential to start with a clean slate.
Tilling the Soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm). This helps improve drainage and allows the roots to penetrate the soil more easily.

Planting Spring Onions in November

Once your garden bed is prepared, it’s time to plant your spring onions. Follow these steps for successful planting:

Sow Seeds or Set Transplants: You can either sow spring onion seeds directly into the soil or transplant seedlings. If using seeds, scatter them thinly and cover lightly with soil. If transplanting, plant seedlings about 6 inches apart in rows.
Planting Depth: Spring onion seeds should be sown about ½ inch deep. If using seedlings, ensure the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Row Spacing: Space the rows about 12 inches apart to allow for easy access and good air circulation around the plants.
Watering: After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the seeds or seedlings. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the early stages of growth.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil during colder months.

Caring for Spring Onions During the Winter Months

Once your spring onions are planted, they will require minimal maintenance during the winter. However, there are a few key tasks to keep in mind:

Watering: While spring onions are relatively drought-tolerant, it’s important to ensure they have adequate moisture, especially during dry spells. Water the plants deeply if there’s no significant rainfall.
Fertilizing: Spring onions benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied at planting. You can use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Look for fertilizers high in nitrogen to promote leafy growth.
Weed Control: Continue to monitor the area for weeds and remove them as they appear. Weeding regularly will help reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Pest and Disease Management: While spring onions are generally resistant to many pests and diseases, it’s still essential to keep an eye out for issues like onion maggots or fungal diseases. Use organic pesticides or neem oil as needed to control pests.
Frost Protection: In areas where temperatures drop significantly, consider using floating row covers or cloches to protect your spring onions from frost. These can provide an extra layer of insulation during extremely cold weather.

Harvesting Spring Onions

One of the best aspects of growing spring onions is their quick turnaround. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, you can begin harvesting your spring onions within 8 to 12 weeks after planting.

When to Harvest: Spring onions are ready to harvest when they reach about 6 to 8 inches in height. You can harvest them at any stage, from small green tops to mature bulbs, depending on your preference.
Harvesting Technique: To harvest, gently pull the onions from the soil, or use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the base of the onions. Be careful not to damage the surrounding plants if you’re harvesting selectively.
Cutting the Tops: If you only want the bulbs, you can cut the green tops to the desired length and leave the bulbs in the ground to grow larger. This is especially useful if you want a continuous supply of fresh green onions.
Storage: Freshly harvested spring onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Chop the green tops and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Common Problems and Solutions When Growing Spring Onions

Even with the best care, you may encounter some challenges while growing spring onions. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Pests: Onion maggots can be a problem, especially in warmer climates. To deter these pests, use row covers to protect your young plants. You can also practice crop rotation to minimize pest populations.
Diseases: Fungal diseases such as downy mildew can affect spring onions, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoid overhead watering. If you notice signs of disease, remove affected plants promptly.
Slow Growth: If your spring onions are growing slowly, it may be due to poor soil fertility or inadequate moisture. Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and adjust fertilization as necessary. Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods.
Bolting: Spring onions may bolt (flower and go to seed) if they experience stress from extreme temperatures or insufficient nutrients. To prevent bolting, choose appropriate varieties for your climate and ensure they receive adequate care.

Companion Planting with Spring Onions

Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden’s potential by pairing plants that benefit each other. Spring onions can be effectively grown alongside several other vegetables and herbs, including:

Carrots: The strong scent of spring onions can help deter pests that typically target carrots, while the carrots can help suppress weeds around the onions.
Lettuce: Lettuce benefits from the shade provided by the taller spring onions, while the onions can help repel aphids and other pests.
Beets: Spring onions and beets make excellent companions, as their growing habits complement each other, and they don’t compete for resources.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes and spring onions can thrive together, as the onions can help deter pests that target tomatoes, such as aphids and spider mites.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Bountiful Harvest of Spring Onions

Growing spring onions in November is a fantastic way to extend your gardening season and enjoy fresh produce even during the colder months. With their quick growth cycle and minimal maintenance requirements, spring onions are an excellent addition to any garden. By following the steps outlined in this guide, from selecting the right variety and preparing your garden bed to planting, caring for, and harvesting, you can look forward to a bountiful supply of delicious spring onions.

So grab your gardening tools and get ready to plant your spring onions this November. Your taste buds will thank you when you enjoy fresh, homegrown scallions in your meals throughout the winter and into the spring!

Check out lots more to grow in November here