Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant and grow onions:

1. *Choose the Right Onion Variety:* Select onion sets (small bulbs) or seeds of a variety suited to your region and preferences. Common types include red, yellow, and white onions.

2. *Select a Suitable Location:* Onions prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location with good sunlight exposure and soil that’s not too compacted.

3. *Prepare the Soil:* Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm) and mix in compost or well-aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

4. *Planting:* If using sets, plant them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. If using seeds, sow them directly into the soil about ¼ to ½ inch (6-12 mm) deep, thinning the seedlings to the desired spacing once they emerge.

5. *Watering:* Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the early stages of growth. Onions have shallow roots and require regular watering, particularly during dry periods.

6. *Fertilization:* Onions are light feeders, but you can side-dress with a balanced fertilizer or compost about halfway through the growing season to provide additional nutrients.

7. *Weeding:* Keep the onion bed free of weeds, as competition for nutrients and water can reduce onion yield.

8. *Mulching:* Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, around the onion plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

9. *Harvesting:* Onions are ready for harvest when the tops have fallen over and started to dry out. Pull them up gently from the soil and allow them to cure in a warm, dry place with good air circulation for 1-2 weeks.

10. *Storage:* After curing, trim the tops and roots, and store onions in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Properly cured and stored onions can last for several months.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully plant and grow onions in your garden.