CHAPTER XIV 



THE ONION FAMILY 



Onions. The chief point to note in growing onions is 

 that all the members of this useful family require a deep 

 rich firm soil for proper cultivation. It is true that even 

 a poor bed or plot will grow these edible bulbs, but where 

 fair size and quality are considered essential the ground 

 must be exactly as stated. A deep rich firm soil, we 

 mentioned, is necessary. Depth may be provided by 

 removing the top spit and well forking the under one. 

 This will give the delicate hair-roots all the opportunities 

 they need for pushing their way deep down into the soil 

 in search of moisture and nourishment. Richness and 

 firmness are brought about by a sensible combination of 

 digging, manuring and beating down. In autumn the 

 ground is well dug and ridged so that after the frosts it 

 is friable and not lumpy. This will ensure correct 

 aeration. To get firmness not only on the surface but 

 throughout, which is what onions require, we must work 

 in a manure which is binding, such as pig or cow manure. 

 If, of course, the land is of clay, it is too firm already, and 

 then we must lighten it somewhat by the addition of 

 ashes, soot, and long strawy manure. A finish is given 

 to the bed by beating it down with the back of a spade, 

 by treading, or by pressing with planks. This work 

 must be performed when the ground is fairly dry, or it 

 will prove extremely messy. The beating or treading 



