Onion season starts: wait or take action?

The onion season has started! Last Thursday, the first onions were sown on clay soil in Germany. That the seed is already germinating, is evident from a photo sent by René Haaijer from Veelerveen (Groningen). The conditions for a good start seem favourable, but what about other growers?  

Reinder Hogenhout from Kimswerd (Friesland) reports that the heads of the onion field are already starting to turn grey. Just be patient, but thanks to the frost the structure of the soil is excellent. Peter Holster from Marknesse (Flevoland) is also getting ready to start and expects to start next week, weather permitting. Onion seeds and drip hoses are already ready. However, not everyone has started. Klaasjan Boer from Kortgene (Zeeland) notes that the soil is in good condition, but that the freezing varies per region. In his case, only the top layer is nicely loose due to the frost. At the bottom, the soil is becoming nicely dry. Ruud Vossebeld from Beemte Broekland (Gelderland) is still hesitant and thinks it is simply too early. According to him, the soil temperature must be right before sowing can begin.  

Opinions differ on the ideal moment to sow. Some growers wait another week or two, while others do not want to wait too long. "Good is good," says Jacky Dieleman from Philippine (Zeeland). "If it rains for five weeks now, we will be heading towards May again." David de Wit from Lepelstraat (North Brabant) is considering starting at the end of next week, while Hubert Linders from Nederweert (Limburg) emphasizes that an onion must be able to grow well and that it is therefore better not to start too early.  

The weather conditions, soil temperature and soil structure play an important role in the timing of sowing. The coming weeks will show who has made the right choice. The forecast for the coming period is dry weather, with lower temperatures and a chance of light night frost, according to Agro Exact. 'Sowing is guessing'. To be continued!

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.