Planting Potato and Onion Seeds

The onion plant is commonly grown in vegetable gardens because of its multiple uses in cooking and its relative ease of growing in different climates. Another very common root plant sold in bins in all American markets is the potato. You are probably so accustomed to seeing the potato onion bin that you take it for granted.

One way to add interest to your consumption of onions and potatoes is to grow your own. When vegetable gardening, many gardeners overlook these two crops in favor of more ‘exotic’ plants. You can, however, find interesting types of onion and potato seeds. Some seed companies sell unique varieties of these seeds.

Things to Know about Potato and Onion Seeds

Do not confuse “seed potatoes” with potato seeds. Seed potatoes are the potato tubers or pieces of tubers that come out of the potato with ‘eyes’. These have been planted for hundreds of years to grow potatoes. There are important growing differences between growing potatoes from tubers and from actual seeds. Tubers can be difficult to store and also may have bacteria buildup.

While planting onion seeds, keep in mind that onions are susceptible to excess weed growth. For onion seeds to grow and thrive, you will have to keep the area around the onion plantings free of weeds.

You will need to consider your location and climate when choosing the types of onion and potato seeds to plant and under what conditions. This information you can find from seed companies. The kinds of seeds you choose will also be determined by your choice of cooking and dishes where they will appear in your kitchen.

No matter what your choice, fresh onions and potatoes complement almost any lunch or dinner, as they have for centuries.

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