Vegetables with Edible Bulbs 135 



Soil for the onion. 



A sandy loam, with a clay subsoil, will give excellent 

 returns, provided there is an abundance of humus or 

 other nitrogenous matter present. Humus may be 

 supplied by turning under leguminous crops. The roots 

 of the onion do not enter the soil deeply, so they are easily 

 affected by changes in the upper stratum. A rotation 

 should be practiced by changes in the upper stratum, or 

 the land may become infested with diseases. 



In selecting a plot of land, one should be sure to choose 

 one that does not become soggy in wet weather, nor dry 

 during a drought. One should not go into onion-raising 

 on land not adapted to the crop nor as a temporary em- 

 ployment. Where it is possible to have an artesian well 

 or other constant supply of water, it will be found prof- 

 itable to irrigate. The land should be we'll drained, 

 putting the tile drains close together, so as to remove 

 the surplus water quickly. 



The land should be plowed shallow but thoroughly, 

 leaving no particle unturned. All roots or sticks or other 

 debris should be removed before plowing, and again after 

 plowing; the land should then be harrowed thoroughly, 

 removing all sticks or straw; even the roots of last 

 year's grass should be removed. After the land has been 

 thus thoroughly prepared, it should be allowed to remain 

 two weeks or so before fertilizing, when it should be stirred 

 again. 



Fertilizer for onions. 



Good compost or well-rotted barnyard manure will be 

 found excellent for fertilizing onions. Whatever kind 



