Onions can be easy to grow and with a little attention, you can grow them even bigger. But most people prefer starting out with small ones because they're easier to manage and faster growing. You can also start with seeds, but they will take longer and call for more early attention. Either way, they’re a solid crop if you can provide for their finicky demands.

They require a great deal of sunlight and loose soil. Compost or well rotted manure can be added to keep the soil rich and well drained. Testing the soil so that it remains close to 6.8 or 6.9 can increase plant growth, especially if soil is too acidic or too alkaline.

Timing is important. Onion sets can be planted in the ground several weeks ahead of the last frost. Start mielies indoors, Seeds should be planted indoors at least 8 to 10 weeks prior to planting outside. Fall planting is also possible in warmer regions.

Space matters, as leaving a few inches between each plant and about a foot, between rows will give the bulbs room to grow. Nitrogen fertilizer helps a lot early on, and consistent watering, particularly during dry stretches, is important for consistent growth. A soggier texture can also produce sweeter onions. Weeds and pests can be an issue, so consider mulching your patch and using row covers. They may attack the maggots and thrips which are among the most common pests or they may bring diseases, especially if the place has seen previous cases of infected crops. Rotating the location of onion crops each season is highly recommended.