Furrow Irrigating Your Onion Beds
Furrow irrigation is sometimes referred to as flood irrigation. This is where we get the term “flood the beds”. Many customers ask us which is the preferred method of irrigating onions, and we usually recommend this method. Read on to learn more about furrow irrigating your onion beds.
When to Furrow Irrigate
You will want to water occasionally but thoroughly, applying about one inch of water each time. We recommend using the “knuckle rule” to tell when it’s time to water. Stick your finger into the ground near the plants; if you can’t feel moisture up to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. In a typical 12 week growing season, we recommend irrigating with one inch of water once or twice a week depending on the amount of rainfall received.
How to Furrow Irrigate
The furrow irrigation method encompasses “flooding the beds” in the furrows and allowing the plants to soak up water slowly and thoroughly. As a general rule, when the top of the bed is totally darkened by moisture, you have provided enough water to your onions. Furrow irrigation is the main method of watering used on our farm. Check out these videos below to learn more about furrow irrigation.
We hope your crop is off a great start! For many of our customers, spring arrived late. If you have growing questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Contact Customer Service at (830) 876-2430 or email customerservice@dixondalefarms.com.
Hello,
Trying to decide on the best method for watering my onions in a raised bed. I have an 8′ x 4′ bed that I use only for onions. Would you recommend the furrow method for a bed or should I do drip tape?
Will you be using any fertigation through your drip tape? If not, we’d recommend furrow irrigation over drip tape unless you’d be injecting through your drip tape.