When to Plant Onion in Greene County, AL
Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.
Greene County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 128 feet, Greene County receives approximately 61.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Onion during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Onion, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.
Greene County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Greene County
How your county's soil matches Onion's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Onion's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Greene County is excellent for Onion — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Onion.
How to Plant Onion
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Onion Planting Timeline — Greene County, AL
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Direct Sow | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 27 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Greene County
Growing Tips for Onion in Greene County
Direct sow Onion outdoors after March 20 in Greene County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Greene County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Onion. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Onion in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Greene County, AL?
Greene County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Greene County, AL?
Greene County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Greene County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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