May is a crucial month for onion growth, when the plant actively develops vegetative mass and forms bulblets.
Proper fertilizing during this time will help produce large bulbs that will last until next spring. In this article, we'll discuss which fertilizers to choose and when to apply them to maximize the harvest.
Why is fertilizing in May important?
In May, onions enter a period of intensive growth. Primary attention should be paid to nitrogen, which is responsible for the growth of the tips, as well as phosphorus and potassium, which promote bulb formation. Without sufficient nitrogen, the onions will remain small and will not form full-sized bulbs. However, too much nitrogen can lead to widespread bolting and rot.
How to identify nutrient deficiencies
The plant gives the following signals when there is a nutrient deficiency:
The tips of the bulbs turn pale and yellow at the tips: nitrogen deficiency.
The bulb barely grows, and the tips are thin: a lack of phosphorus and potassium.
Leaves are wilted and have burnt edges. This could indicate a micronutrient imbalance.
Choosing Fertilizers for Onions
There are many fertilizers, both organic and mineral, that can help provide onions with the necessary nutrients. It's important to follow the recommended dosages and avoid mixing incompatible ingredients.
Organic Fertilizers:
Chicken manure (1:15) - use only the fermented infusion to avoid burning the roots. Water between the rows, avoiding contact with the greens.
Green infusion (nettle, dandelion) - pour a bucket of weeds with water, let sit for 7-10 days, then dilute 1:10. This not only nourishes the onions but also helps repel pests.
Wood ash (200 g per 10 liters of water) is a source of potassium and phosphorus. It can be used either dry or as an infusion.
Mineral Fertilizers:
If a quick effect is needed, you can use mineral fertilizers:
Urea (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water) — applied in the first ten days of May to stimulate foliage growth.
Superphosphate (30 g per 10 liters) — strengthens the root system and accelerates bulb formation.
Potassium sulfate (20 g per 10 liters) — improves the shelf life and immunity of onions.
Folk Remedies:
Ammonia (3 tablespoons per 10 liters) — emergency feeding when the leaves turn yellow, watering every two weeks.
Yeast (100 g per 10 liters + 2 tablespoons sugar) — stimulates soil bacteria, apply in warm weather.
Whey (1 liter per 10 liters) — provides calcium and suppresses pathogenic fungi.
Mistakes to Avoid
Some mistakes can significantly reduce the yield:
Overfeeding with nitrogen at the end of May causes the bulbs to become waterlogged and rot in storage.
Fertilizing on dry soil: Always moisten the bed before and after applying fertilizer.
Ignoring the weather: Fertilizers are washed away in the rain, and concentrated in the heat, burning the roots.
Mixing incompatible fertilizers: This can lead to chemical conflicts in the soil.
Late fertilizing: Onions should not be fertilized after mid-June, otherwise they will not have time to ripen.
May Fertilizing Calendar
In early May: Apply nitrogen (urea or chicken manure).
In mid-May: Add phosphorus and potassium (ash, superphosphate, potassium sulfate).
In late May: Apply micronutrients (green infusion, whey spray) and avoid nitrogen altogether.
Onions themselves show what they need. The key is to recognize the signs early and provide the exact fertilizers needed at a specific growth stage. This will ensure large, healthy bulbs that will delight you until next season.
Photo - progorod33.ru
