Vol. 118 (2005): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Growing and marketing green onions at local green markets in Southeast Florida

Kenneth D. Shuler
Stephen’s Produce
2005 Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society

Published 2005-12-01

Keywords

  • compost,
  • farmers' market,
  • garden

Abstract

Stephen's Produce began growing and marketing green onions in 2000 from a 0.14 acre backyard market garden to help supply the West Palm Beach Green Market with a Saturday supply of "garden fresh" produce. The garden has been expanded each year. In 2004-05, 0.37 acres were under cultivation and clientele were being served at two weekend green markets. Green onions was one of the 30 crops grown and have been included in the crop mix for the past five seasons. Planting schedules, growing and harvesting methods, yields, and sales figures are discussed. For the 2003-04 season, 32 plantings of green onions were made for the 32 week sales season which began 18 Oct. and concluded 22 May. Onions were pulled, bunched, and banded the day before sales. Soil was spray washed out of their roots. They were generally sold for $1.00 per bunch for the first three years; prices were increased to $1.50 for the 2004-05 season. An average of 50 bunches were sold each week in 2003-04.