Using the rooftop to turn into a small vegetable garden is a trend that many housewives love. Because creating a vegetable garden on the rooftop not only helps save costs but also ensures a source of clean vegetables for daily meals.
Accordingly, housewives can apply the following tips on how to grow and care for shallots effectively and without taking too much time.
To grow purple onions, housewives need to prepare pots, soil and seeds. Note that when choosing a pot, it must be at least 20cm deep so that the onions can grow well, especially the pot should have drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
For planting soil, you should use loose, nutrient-rich soil. You can mix garden soil with organic fertilizer and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1 to increase drainage and provide nutrients.
Once you have prepared everything above, proceed to sow seeds (with seeds) or plant bulbs (with bulbs). Use seeds, sow the seeds about 1 - 2cm deep, with a distance of 5 - 10cm between seeds. If using bulbs, plant the bulbs about 2cm above the ground, with a distance of 10cm between bulbs.
After planting, water gently to keep the soil moist. Water early in the morning or in the cool evening to avoid damaging the plant. Onions need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, so place the pot in an airy location, away from shade.
After 2 weeks, fertilize with organic fertilizer or nitrogen fertilizer to promote plant growth. However, housewives should be careful not to over-fertilize to avoid burning the roots. Regularly check and remove yellow leaves and pests.
Natural pest control measures such as garlic and chili solution can be used, while maintaining soil moisture but not waterlogging. Water regularly when the soil surface feels dry.
After about 3 - 4 months of planting, when the leaves begin to turn yellow and dry, housewives can harvest the purple onions. Pull them gently so as not to break the purple onions and then dry them in a cool place for a few days. Store the purple onions in a cool, dry place for gradual use without worrying about spoilage.
