Ready to continue scratching that gardening itch? Welcome to the second part in our series of doing just that! Here in the winter gardening itch chapter two, we’ll continue with indoor plant propagation in preparation for Spring.
REGROWING SPRING ONIONS
After propagating my African violets in part one, we move forward toward spring by starting our fresh herb collection, for the year, in the kitchen. I usually start with spring onions. As these are the easiest and quickest to start.
We use spring onions in cooking quite a bit. So we try to pick some up from our local farmer’s market whenever available. In the winter months though we try to maintain our own supply. I simply cut the root tips off about an inch up the stem. Then let them dry out for a day or two.
We use spring onions in recipes quite a bit. So we try to pick some up from our local farmer’s market whenever available. In the winter months though, we try to maintain our own supply.
Credit: Karolina Grabowska
HOW to REGROW SPRING ONIONS
Cut the root tips off about an inch up the stem. Then let them dry out for a day. I tend to lean toward terra-cotta pots for our kitchen herbs. Their porous nature protects the plants from root rot while allowing the roots to breathe.
You can grow these in straight water too. But, I find that , unless you change the water once or twice a day, algae and slime build up around the roots too fast. And the onions end up going bad.
BEST SOIL to USE WHEN PROPAGATING SPRING ONION
A basic potting soil with added compost, perlite and a tiny bit of fertilizer works best in these terra cotta pots. Soak that soil well and let it drain completely before adding the root stubs.
A basic potting soil with added compost, perlite and a tiny bit of fertilizer works best in these terra cotta pots. Soak that soil well and let it drain completely before adding the root stubs.
USING UPCYCLED ITEMS TO PROPAGATE SPRING ONION
Using upcycled popsicle sticks from last summer’s frozen treats is a great way to reuse practical items. Instead of them ending up in the landfill. (I save them and run them through the water-saving cycle of the dishwasher.) Use one of these, or any other upcycled item you may have, to make as many 1/4″ holes in the saturated soil as will fit comfortably.
Using upcycled popsicle sticks from last summer’s frozen treats is a great way to reuse practical items. Instead of them ending up in the landfill. (I save them and run them through the water-saving cycle of the dishwasher.) Use one of these, or any other upcycled item you may have, to make as many 1/4″ holes in the saturated soil as will fit comfortably.
HOW to PLANT SPRING ONION ROOTS IN POTS
Place one root stub in each hole. then, lightly press the surrounding soil down around the root stub. Doing this ensures there are no air pockets in which harmful bacteria could grow. While also allowing for healthy air flow to the roots.
Place one root stub in each hole. then, lightly press the surrounding soil down around the root stub. Doing this ensures there are no air pockets in which harmful bacteria could grow. While also allowing for healthy air flow to the roots.
HOW MUCH to WATER PROPAGATED SPRING ONIONS
Once all are snuggly tucked in, Give them a bit more water to encourage the roots to reach out for it and establish themselves in the pot.
Check the soil every few days. If its 80-90% dry, using the finger test, water it again until the water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot.
Once all are snuggly tucked in, Give them a bit more water to encourage the roots to reach out for it and establish themselves in the pot.
Check the soil every few days. If its 80-90% dry, using the finger test, water it again until the water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot.
HOW MUCH LIGHT PROPAGATED SPRING ONIONS NEED
Place your pots in a sunny window. Then, sit back and watch free spring onions appear like magic.
Place your pots in a sunny window. Then, sit back and watch free spring onions appear like magic.
WILL PROPAGATED SPRING ONIONS FLOWER
If conditions are right and they got a tiny bit of fertilizer, they may even flower for you!
If conditions are right and they got a tiny bit of fertilizer, they may even flower for you!
I place the pot(s) in a sunny, kitchen window and within a week or two, we have enough growth to start cooking with! (By-the-by, I follow this same process with leaks, with just one root stub per pot, and it works great.)
Now you’re getting the hang of it! I hope you give this easy way to give scratching the winter gardening itch a try and in no time at all, you’ll have a very inexpensive yet highly rewarding fresh kitchen herb supply of your own! Visit Starting Seeds Indoors in Early Spring where I’ll be planting the first veggie crop seeds of this year’s growing season.
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Interacting with the Earth is one of our most primal instincts. In this age of technology and industry, its critical that we nurture that instinct for our own health and well-being. The more you grow, the more YOU grow.