How to grow spring onions in a raised bed

Spring onions are quick, compact and almost foolproof — a great filler crop to tuck between bigger plants, and you can start snipping in a few weeks.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 2–3 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–12 weeks

When to plant: Spring onions grow nearly year-round in most of Australia — sow a short row every few weeks for a constant supply. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Sow seed thinly straight into the mix, or plant out seedlings. They take up little room, so they slot in neatly around slower crops.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for tender stems. They're not heavy feeders, so a light feed is plenty.

Common pests: keep an eye out for thrips and aphids. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are rust and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: They're a great companion to carrots and beetroot — their scent helps mask crops from pests. Lettuce is a good neighbour too. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Snip what you need and the plant often regrows, or lift the whole clump. Best used fresh.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Ainomugisha Brendah, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.