How to Grow Green Onions: My Grocery Green Onions Survived an Alberta Winter

#lowmaintencegardener #greenonions #easytogrow #grocerystoreregrowth

There's a certain satisfaction in turning a simple grocery purchase into a thriving garden staple. My green onions, orignially purchased for 69 cents a bunch not only survived an Alberta winter of -40 degrees C for several weeks but also flourished, showcasing their secret resilience and proving the worth.

Grocery Store to Garden

So last summer, after purchasing the green onions- instead of using the entire plant, I left about 2 inches of the green tops intact as well as the bulb. I then planted them in my garden, ensuring the roots were properly covered with soil and the green tops were exposed to sunlight. I had re-growth within a week and we enjoyed green onion clippingsfor the rest of the summer. I left them out in the winter thinking for sure they would die and didnt bother pulling them from my garden bed. ( I typically do a spring clean up and only pull the hot weather plants in the fall to enjoy enery last ounce of green.)

And now we have a constant supply of fresh green onions since April!!!!!!  Their ability to regrow quickly after being cut makes them an excellent choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance yet productive plants because they just keep growing. Not sure how many years i will get out of this batch. Ill keep you posted.

The Magic of Companion Planting

Green onions have many more uses than their delightful flavor profile. Here are a few beneficial pairings for, you guessed it companion gardening:

Carrots:

Green onions help deter carrot flies, which can devastate carrot crops. Planting these two together can improve both plants' health and yield.

Tomatoes:

The strong scent of green onions repels aphids and other pests that commonly target tomatoes.

Lettuce:

Green onions help keep rabbits and other nibbling pests away from delicate lettuce leaves.

Strawberries:

Planting green onions near strawberries can help repel pests like spider mites, improving the health and yield of the berries.

Natural Pest Deterrent

The pungent aroma of green onions is a natural deterrent for many common garden pests. They repel aphids, Japanese beetles, and even some larger pests like rabbits. This natural pest control works like a charm and reduces the need for chemical interventions.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, green onions are an excellent addition to any garden, offering fresh, flavorful produce and a host of benefits. So next time you're at the grocery store, pick up a bunch of green onions and start your own gardening adventure. You might be surprised at just how resilient and productive these humble plants can be.