Onions. 245 



the winter and spring following. In addition, a special 

 business is made of growing Onions for pickling, and this 

 as well as several other methods of growing them will be 

 dealt with in due course. 



Preparation of the Soil. Adequate preparation of the soil 

 is necessary to the production of a good crop of Onions. With 

 proper treatment almost any kind of soil may be brought into 

 suitable condition, and although on some soils this may be a 

 heavy and somewhat expensive matter in the beginning, it has 

 the redeeming feature that as Onions may be grown year after 

 year on the same ground, if the crop does not make profits the 

 first year it will probably do so later, and further that if Onions 

 are included in the rotation, as is recommended, the proper 

 preparation of the ground for this crop will put it into first- 

 rate condition for any other crop in the garden. 



'As a preliminary, see that the drainage is good, because 

 where there is stagnant moisture success is impossible. Next, 

 work the soil deeply, breaking all the lumps, and put a good 

 dressing of manure between the top and bottom spits. This 

 should, if possible, be in a well-decayed condition, but if such is 

 not available the manure may be given fresh providing it is put 

 into the ground in autumn for spring sowing. If it is the first 

 time of preparing the ground for Onions, manure at the rate of 

 at least 20 tons to the acre should be given, with 10 to 15 tons 

 each year afterwards. Should the soil be very light it will be 

 greatly improved if a dressing of clay or marl is spread over 

 and thoroughly mixed with the top spit ; sand or road grit may 

 in the same manner be used to lighten clay. On heavy land, 

 in addition to the usual pipe-drains, it is advisable to arrange 

 the ground in beds with rather deep furrows between, which 

 will ensure the soil being soon free of excessive moisture after 

 heavy rains. The beds should be left ridged up for the weather 

 to act upon through the winter, and then if pulled down and 

 levelled when the surface is dry in the spring, it will be found 

 mellow and well-pulverised, and in a kindly state for receiving 

 the seed. 



Spring-sown Onions. When the ground has been prepared 

 as indicated, seed may be sown at the first favourable oppor- 

 tunity after the end of February, but it is very unwise to hurry 



