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Onions have been a part of plant orders for four years. However, last year was the first year we had any problem with them. Almost all bare root onions come from Texas but last spring they had so much rain at digging time that they were shipped muddy and slimy. They were very good about replacing them, but we got them planted late and they never matured as well. (They probably should have contacted us and delayed the order until the fields were fit.)

We are offering three different varieties of onions. Spanish yellows are a favorite onion grown by commercial growers in northern states because it makes uniformly large, sweet bulbs. They mature in about 100 days and store from four to five months.

Candy is a yellow onion that is the most consistent winner at county fairs across the country. It also matures in about one hundred days. Candy is a very sweet onion that stores about three months.

Copra is the best storage onion available. It sweetens as it stores so I don't use mine until after the first of the year. It has been known to store for 10-12 months. It is an extra-hard medium-sized bulb that has the highest sugar content of any storage onion.

The Chisago County Master Gardeners 2011 Spring Gardening Bonanza it will be held at the Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, Saturday, March 12, from 8:15 a.m. - 3 p.m. More information will follow. Included in the mailing is plant order form information about the bare root plants we are offering, and included in my weekly articles.

Don't forget the Lindstrom Home Show Saturday, Feb. 26, and Sunday, Feb. 27. We will have a booth at the show and on Sunday, Master Gardener Tom Dickhudt will do a presentation at 12:30 on Native in Your Backyard. If you were not mailed programs or need more information, call our office at 651-277-0151.

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