By Umar Nsubuga
Onion farming can be highly rewarding, but it requires meticulous care, especially in the early stages of growth.
Poor management of nursery beds can result in stunted growth, diseases, and significant losses.
Experts and experienced farmers stress the importance of adopting the right techniques to ensure healthy seedlings that will later thrive in the fields.
Malinga, a seasoned onion farmer in Kapchorwa district, has mastered the art of managing nursery beds.
Meanwhile, Henry Sekyewa, an agronomist, provides valuable insights into scientifically-backed methods for handling onion seedlings.
Malinga knows all too well the challenges farmers face when raising onions in nursery beds.
“If you don’t give the seedlings proper care, you risk losing your entire crop before it even gets to the field,” he says.
To prevent such losses, Malinga begins by selecting disease-free seeds and preparing the soil meticulously.
He ensures the bed is well-drained and mixes it with decomposed organic manure to enrich it with nutrients.
“I water the nursery consistently, but not excessively,” he explains.
“Too much water creates a damp environment that attracts fungal infections.”
Malinga also mulches his beds using grass or banana leaves to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, particularly during hot weather.
To regular watering, Malinga emphasises pest and disease control.
“I inspect the seedlings daily for signs of pests or diseases and take immediate action when I notice something unusual,” he adds.
Expert advice from Sekyewa
Sekyewa, an agronomist, corroborates Malinga’s methods and adds further technical guidance.
“The health of onion seedlings directly determines the success of the final crop,” he notes.
Sekyewa highlights the importance of choosing the right location for nursery beds, preferably in an area with adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds.
“The soil should be well-aerated and sterilised before planting to eliminate harmful pathogens,” he advises.
Sterilisation can be done through solarization covering the soil with transparent plastic sheets to trap heat from the sun or by using organic or chemical treatments.
Sekyewa also recommends spacing seeds appropriately in the nursery bed.
“Overcrowding leads to competition for nutrients and increases the risk of diseases spreading among the seedlings,” he warns.
For watering, Sekyewa suggests using a watering can with fine holes to avoid disturbing the fragile seedlings.
He advises farmers to water in the morning and evening to prevent evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal infections caused by waterlogged soil.
