How to manage overwintering shallots?

Winter is a critical stage in the growth cycle of spring onions , so the timing of sowing is crucial. In the Huanghuai region, the most suitable sowing period is from the autumnal equinox to National Day. For southern regions with warmer climates, sowing time can be postponed to late October. Sowing too early may cause the onions to bolt prematurely, affecting their growth. If sowing is too late, the onions will not grow enough and will be easily damaged by frost. Let’s learn how to manage overwintering shallots.

1. Reasonable irrigation to maintain soil moisture

The suitable temperature range for shallot growth is 12-20 degrees Celsius, and it has a certain degree of cold resistance. Before and after winter, due to the characteristics of shallots being drought-resistant but not water-resistant, watering should be done in time according to the soil moisture. For dry soil, choose a sunny day to irrigate with winter water. Since green onion seedlings are small and require little water, watering should be moderate to avoid waterlogging that can cause root rot.

2. Moderate tillage to increase soil temperature and retain moisture

Although shallots are cold-resistant, low temperatures in winter may still affect their growth. Intertillage can increase soil temperature and maintain suitable moisture. When tilling, the depth should be moderate and not too deep. Loosen the soil and cover it around the roots of the shallots to keep them warm and enhance their resistance to cold.

3. Apply fertilizer appropriately and supplement nutrition

Reasonable application of fertilizer is crucial to the growth of shallots. In winter, adequate nutrient supply has a significant impact on the cold resistance and growth status of shallots. Scallions have a large demand for potassium fertilizer, and potassium plays an important regulatory role in their growth. You can provide potassium by spreading wood ash to promote the growth and cold resistance of shallots. In addition, spreading crushed, sieved, and dry soil and fertilizer can both protect against the cold and supplement nutrients. Wheat bran, rotten leaves, etc. commonly found in rural areas can also be used as fertilizers to provide nutrients and protect against cold, thus promoting the early greening of green onions.

4. Spray foliar fertilizer and antifreeze to enhance cold resistance

Before winter, you can spray foliar fertilizers with antifreeze agents, such as ampicillin, brassinolide, potassium dihydrogen phosphate aqueous solution, etc., to improve the cold resistance of shallots and promote their early greening after the new year.

In addition, when choosing a planting site, priority should be given to plots that are sheltered from the wind, facing the sun, and not blocked by trees, to ensure sufficient sunlight and reduce the impact of winter cold winds on shallots, which is beneficial for their cold protection.