By Umar Nsubuga
Onions are a popular crop in Uganda, prized for their versatility in the kitchen and their profitability in the market. However, achieving a good harvest begins with proper care of the onion nursery.
Kenyena Katto, an onion farmer from Kabingo village in Isingiro District, says a well-managed nursery is the foundation for a successful onion crop.
According to Kenyena Katto, site selection and soil preparation are critical. The nursery bed should be located in an area with adequate sunlight and good drainage. “Waterlogging is a death sentence for young onion seedlings,” he warns.
To prepare the bed, Katto recommends clearing the area of weeds and breaking up the soil to a fine texture. Mixing the soil with well-decomposed organic manure is vital for providing nutrients to the young plants. “A ratio of one part manure to three parts soil is ideal,” she advises.
Sowing onion seeds
Isaac Malinga from Kapchesombe Village in Kapchorwa District suggests sowing onion seeds in shallow furrows spaced about 10 cm apart. “Cover the seeds lightly with soil, but don’t bury them too deep. Onions need to emerge easily from the soil,” he explains.
Once sown, water the bed gently to avoid washing away the seeds.
He also advises covering the nursery with a thin layer of mulch, such as grass, to retain moisture and protect the seeds from direct sunlight. The mulch should be removed as soon as the seeds germinate to allow the seedlings access to sunlight.
Regular watering and monitoring
Proper watering is crucial, notes Milly Ssebagala, who practices backyard onion farming. She waters her nursery daily in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent the seedlings from wilting under the harsh sun.
“Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, so it’s important to monitor the soil’s moisture levels,” Ssebagala cautions.
She uses a watering can with a fine nozzle to ensure even distribution of water without disturbing the young plants.
Controlling pests and diseases
Gideon Zakke, an agronomist, explains the importance of pest and disease control in the nursery stage. “Onion seedlings are vulnerable to pests like thrips and diseases such as damping-off,” he explains.
To prevent these issues, Zakke recommends applying a fungicide immediately after sowing and again after germination. For pests, he suggests using neem-based sprays or other organic options to minimise chemical use.
“Keeping the nursery weed-free is another way to prevent pests and diseases,” he adds. Weeds compete for nutrients and can harbor harmful organisms.
Transplanting the seedlings
After four to six weeks, when the seedlings are about 15 cm tall and have 3-4 leaves, they are ready for transplanting.
Malinga advises hardening the seedlings a week before transplanting by reducing watering. This helps them adjust to the harsher conditions in the main field.
During transplanting, ensure the seedlings are planted at the same depth they were in the nursery. “Avoid planting too deep, as this can stunt their growth,” Malinga says.
He also stresses spacing the plants 10-15 cm apart to allow proper bulb development.
The benefits of proper nursery care
Proper care of the onion nursery can significantly increase yield and reduce losses due to pests and diseases. Ssebagala shares that her backyard farming efforts save her family money and provide a steady supply of fresh onions for her kitchen.
For large-scale farmers like Katto, a healthy nursery ensures a good crop that can fetch premium prices in the market. “If you invest time and care in your nursery, the results will always be rewarding,” she says.
