Spring Onions

How to Grow Organic Spring Onions:

Step 1: Obtain Organic Seeds or Sets: Get organic spring onion seeds from a reputable organic seed supplier. Alternatively, you can use organic spring onion sets, which are small onion bulbs specially grown for planting.

Step 2: Choose a Sunny Location: Select a sunny spot in your garden or a large organic container on your balcony or windowsill. Spring onions thrive in full sunlight.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil Organically: Ensure the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter. Before planting, work the soil to remove any debris and add organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.

Step 4: Planting: If using seeds, sow them about 1 centimeter deep in rows, with about 5 centimeters between seeds and 15 centimeters between rows. For sets, gently press them into the soil with the tip just exposed.

Step 5: Organic Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Once the spring onions are established, water them regularly using organic practices, avoiding overwatering.

Step 6: Thin Out Seedlings Organically: If you planted seeds closely, thin out the seedlings when they are a few centimeters tall. Remove weaker plants, leaving about 5 centimeters between each spring onion to allow for proper growth.

Step 7: Organic Fertilizing: Organic spring onions don’t require heavy feeding, but you can use organic liquid fertilizer made from compost tea or seaweed extract every few weeks for a gentle nutrient boost.

Step 8: Harvesting: Spring onions grow quickly, and you can start harvesting them once they reach a good size, usually around 15 to 20 centimeters tall. To harvest, gently pull them out of the soil, roots and all. You can harvest them earlier if you prefer thinner and milder green onions.

How to Use Organic Spring Onions:

Organic spring onions (also called green onions or Scallions are versatile and delicious. Here are some tasty ways to use them:

Organic Salads: Chop both the green tops and white bottoms of organic green onions and toss them into salads for added flavor and crunch.
Organic Stir-Fries and Sauteed Dishes: Slice organic spring onions diagonally and add them to stir-fries or sautéed dishes with your favorite organic vegetables and protein.
Organic Soups and Stews: Finely chop organic green onions and use them as a flavoring base for organic soups, stews, and broth-based dishes.
Organic Garnish: Use chopped organic spring onions as a garnish on top of various dishes like organic omelets, pasta, pizza, or grilled organic meats.
Organic Grilled or Roasted: Drizzle organic spring onions with organic olive oil, season with organic salt and pepper, and grill or roast them for a delicious and unique organic side dish.
Organic Spring Onion Pancakes: Make savory organic spring onion pancakes by incorporating chopped organic green onions into an organic pancake batter and pan-frying them until golden brown.
Organic Sauces and Dips: Blend organic spring onions into organic sauces, dips, or pesto for an oniony twist.

Remember, organic spring onions are not only tasty but also a healthy addition to your meals. By following organic practices, you’ll enjoy the natural flavors and benefits of homegrown organic spring onions while promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment. Happy organic gardening and cooking! 🌱🧅

Additional links:

https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Spring%2Bonions

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Delicious Ways to Use Organic Spring Onions

Spring onions are a versatile ingredient in many global cuisines. Here are some popular recipes that highlight their unique flavor:

Spring Onion and Spinach Pakoras

A delightful Indian snack made by combining chopped green onions, spinach, and spices, then deep-frying until crispy. Serve with a zesty coriander and peanut chutney for added flavor.

Slow-Roast Pork Belly with Spring Onion Mojo Verde

This Spanish-inspired dish features tender pork belly paired with a vibrant sauce made from spring onions, garlic, green chili, and fresh herbs.

Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing)

A Chinese savory flatbread made by layering dough with chopped spring onions and pan-frying until golden and crispy.

Pajeon (Korean Spring Onion Pancakes)

A Korean dish where green onions are mixed into a batter and pan-fried, often enjoyed with a soy-based dipping sauce.

Pickled Spring Onions

Preserve the freshness of green onions by pickling them with vinegar, sugar, and spices. They make a tangy addition to salads and sandwiches.

Spring Onion Fritters (Kremmudokeftedes)

A Greek appetizer made by mixing spring onions with herbs and spices, then frying until golden. Serve with feta cheese and tzatziki.

More About Spring Onions: Uses, Health Benefits, and Recipes

Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, are a flavourful and nutritious addition to any organic kitchen or permaculture garden. Unlike mature onions, green onions are harvested early, providing a milder taste with both the white base and green tops being edible. They thrive in cool seasons, making them an excellent crop for Namibian winter gardens, especially when watered with greywater or incorporated into kitchen garden guilds.

Health Benefits

Spring onions are packed with nutrients while being low in calories. They’re rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, supporting immune health, bone strength, and proper cell function. Additionally, their antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation. In traditional African and Asian medicine, spring onions are often used to aid digestion and relieve symptoms of colds or flu.

More Local and Global Recipe Ideas

Looking for ways to use spring onions in your meals? Here are more ideas to try:

Farm-style Scrambled Eggs with green onions and tomatoes – perfect for a quick breakfast from the garden.
Spring Onion Chutney – popular in Indian cooking, this tangy condiment uses sautéed onions, mustard seeds, and coconut or peanuts.
Potato and Spring Onion Soup – ideal for cooler evenings; blend spring onions with cooked potatoes and homemade vegetable stock.
Namibian Spinach Stew (Morogo) – sprinkle chopped green onions over your morogo or wild greens just before serving for a fresh finish.

Even more Further Reading & Learning

For those passionate about sustainable gardening and cooking, consider these books:

“Gaia’s Garden” by Toby Hemenway – a permaculture classic that explains how to integrate plants like spring onions into food forests.
“The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible” by Edward C. Smith – includes tips on companion planting, soil care, and succession sowing for green crops.
“Preserving the Harvest” by Carol Costenbader – helpful if you want to dehydrate, pickle, or ferment excess spring onion harvests.

Tip for growers: You can regrow green onions from kitchen scraps by placing the white roots in water. Within days, green shoots reappear – a perfect introduction to zero waste gardening for kids or schools.

With their ease of growth, diverse uses, and role in regenerative food systems, green onions are a humble hero worth celebrating in every garden.