Growing big onions can be frustrating, but when done right the rewards are well worth the extra care required for these staples of the kitchen pantry.

Whether you grow your onions from sets or plants [1] is a personal preference. If you choose sets, those that are less than the size of a dime will yield bigger onions. If you prefer to use plants, be sure to start the seeds in January and select long day varieties such as Sweet Sandwich.

Onions need a loose soil and should be planted as early as possible, preferably by mid- April. Dig a shallow trench, place a balanced fertilizer in the bottom of the trench and work it into the soil, then cover with some additional soil. Plant the onions [2] one inch deep and 5-6 inches apart - onions do not like each other so be sure to give them space. While the plants are getting established, provide some protection by placing old wooden shingles or license plates on the west side of the row - this acts as a windbreak, gives the new plants some shade in the afternoon, and helps to deter birds and deer.

Onions are very susceptible to competition from weeds, so keep their growing area weed free. Once the bulb begins to swell in late June, be sure that the bulb sits above the ground. The onions will continue to increase in size and toward mid-summer the tops will start to signs of decline. Wait for the tops to dry and fall over on their own, then pull the plants out and lay them in the sun [3] for 2-3 days. Move them to an airy dry space such as a garage to continue drying for 2-3 weeks. Finally, twist the tops off and store them in a dry cool, 32-35 degree area.