Onions, garlic, and leeks are kitchen staples and whilst they may not be the easiest to grow at home, it is so satisfying to harvest your own fat onion bulbs and fresh, juicy leeks from your own garden. Whether you’re growing garlic bulbs for storage, planting a patch of onions, or growing leeks for the first time, giving your plants a strong biological foundation can make all the difference.
Using biological soil enhancers like Rootella, Mycorrhizal fungi and Superzyme helps boost root health, improve nutrient uptake, and support a more resilient crop from the soil up. Alliums will benefit from the addition of these biological organisms as they are particularly mycorrhiza-dependent and can suffer in the absence of mycorrhizae.
Why grow onions, garlic, and leeks?
These crops are part of the same botanical family and share similar growing conditions. Growing onions is particularly rewarding, and as of 2023, onions are the second most cultivated vegetable in the world, just behind tomatoes and sadly onions are one of the most chemically sprayed vegetables in New Zealand. Alliums are versatile, easy to maintain, and adapt well to New Zealand’s climate. You may be growing garlic bulbs for your favourite pesto recipe, or growing leeks for quiches or soups. Whatever your reason, these crops are a delicious and popular addition to your garden.
Planting and caring for onion, garlic, and leek crops
If you’re new to growing garlic bulbs, and other alliums, timing and soil preparation are key. In New Zealand, autumn or early winter is the best time to plant and even early spring further South.
You can purchase punnets of onions and/or leeks fully germinated and ready for planting at any garden centre. Alternatively, you may prefer to raise your own seeds and perhaps try different varieties, my favorite to grow and eat are red onions. Whichever method you choose, you can use Rootella, Mycorrhizal fungi and Superzyme to ensure your plants have the best possible start. Rootella and Superzyme can be added to your seed raising mix for strong, healthy seedlings and these diverse range of beneficial organisms can also go into the ground at time of planting. Too easy!
Ensure your soil is well dug and prepared for your onion seedlings; good drainage is crucial. When planting your Garlic bulbs, a good rule of thumb is to plant twice as deep as the length of the bulb. When growing leeks, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and add plenty of organic matter. Add Superzyme and Rootella, Mycorrhizal fungi, to the growing media and these beneficial organisms will provide protections from cold, frost and pathogens throughout the growing season.
Why use Rootella and Superzyme?
If you’re aiming to grow strong, nutrient dense crops which are resilient in the face of disease pressures as well as changing weather conditions, Rootella, Mycorrhizal fungi and Superzyme are valuable additions to your gardening routine.
Rootella improves root structure and nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, which is key for growing garlic bulbs and onions with strong, well-formed bulbs. It also improves drought tolerance by extending the root system’s reach into the soil and therefore better access to nutrients and water.
Superzyme complements by increasing microbial diversity and supporting plant resilience. It helps protect crops from common soil-borne diseases and allows your garlic, onions, or even chives to thrive with fewer interventions.
When used together, these two products create a living soil environment that helps you grow healthier, more productive plants without the need for synthetic additives; Happy growing !
