Spring onions—often called green onions, scallions, or bunching onions—are among the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow at home. They require little space, grow quickly, and can be harvested multiple times. And when grown in PVC pipes, they become a super space-saving, clean, and decorative gardening solution, perfect for balconies, terraces, or small home gardens.

This guide will take you through the complete journey of growing spring onions in PVC pipes from seed to harvest, covering seed germination, pipe preparation, soil mix, planting, watering, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting methods.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this ultimate step-by-step method will guarantee a continuous supply of fresh, crunchy spring onions.

1. Why Grow Spring Onions in PVC Pipes?

PVC pipe gardening has become a popular option among urban gardeners. Here’s why it works so well for spring onions:

Saves Space

Vertical or horizontal pipes allow you to grow many plants in a very small area.

Clean Growing Environment

No muddy soil, fewer weeds, and easy maintenance.

Efficient Water Usage

Water flows evenly through the pipe without wastage.

Continuous Production

Once established, spring onions keep producing for months.

Stylish and Organized

Looks neat and decorative on balconies, patios, and terraces.

2. What You Need to Get Started

Materials List

PVC pipe (4–6 inches diameter, 2–4 feet long)
End caps (optional but useful)
Drill machine
Hole saw bit (2–3 inches)
Premium soil mix
Spring onion seeds
Cocopeat
Compost or vermicompost
Perlite or sand
Watering can or spray bottle

If you prefer, you can grow them in vertical pipes with holes or use a horizontal pipe with slits—both work well.

3. Preparing the PVC Pipe

Step 1: Drill Planting Holes

Use a 2–3 inch hole saw to create planting holes:

Vertical pipe: Make holes spiraled around the pipe, spaced 10 cm apart.
Horizontal pipe: Make holes on the top side only.

Step 2: Drill Drainage Holes

At the bottom or end of the pipe, drill small drainage holes.
Good drainage prevents mold and root rot.

Step 3: Add End Caps (Optional)

These help retain soil and improve water flow control.

4. Best Soil Mix for Spring Onions

Spring onions thrive in soft, well-draining soil.

Ideal Soil Mix:

40% cocopeat
30% compost or vermicompost
20% garden soil
10% perlite or coarse sand

Optional Additives:

1 tablespoon neem cake powder
A handful of wood ash
A pinch of Epsom salt

This mixture ensures:

Proper aeration
Steady moisture
Nutrient-rich environment

5. Seed Preparation and Sowing

Step 1: Pre-Soak Seeds (Optional)

Soak for 2–4 hours to speed up germination.

Step 2: Fill the PVC Pipe with Soil

Fill the pipe from top to bottom, tapping it lightly to remove air gaps.

Step 3: Sowing Seeds

Spring onion seeds are tiny—do not plant them too deep.

Make a small hole or shallow dip
Sow 6–10 seeds per opening (you will thin later)
Cover lightly with cocopeat
Water gently with a spray bottle

Germination Time:

Approx. 7–10 days depending on temperature.

6. Early Seedling Care

The first 2 weeks are crucial for healthy growth.

Light:

Place your PVC pipe where it receives:

4–6 hours of sunlight OR
Bright indirect light all day

Avoid harsh noon sun in early stages.

Watering:

Seedlings need moisture but not soggy soil.

Water lightly every 1–2 days
Use bottom watering for horizontal pipes
Avoid waterlogging

Thinning:

Once seedlings reach 5–7 cm, thin them to 4–5 seedlings per hole for proper airflow and growth.

7. Fertilization: Boosting Fast Growth

Spring onions grow fast and benefit from consistent feeding.

Start fertilizing 10–12 days after sprouting.

Use mild fertilizers like:

Compost tea
Seaweed extract
Vermicompost tea
Fish emulsion (weak solution)

Apply once every 7–10 days.

Avoid strong chemical fertilizers—spring onions don’t need heavy nitrogen early on.

8. Watering Schedule After Establishment

Spring onions prefer moist but not soaked soil.

Watering Plan:

Summer: Every 1–2 days
Winter: Every 2–3 days
Rainy season: Only when topsoil feels dry

The PVC pipe retains moisture well, so check soil before watering to prevent rot.

9. Sunlight Requirements Throughout Growth

Spring onions perform best with:

5–6 hours of direct sunlight
OR
Bright light all day

Too little sunlight causes slow growth and thin stalks.

10. Pest & Disease Prevention

Spring onions are generally hardy, but early prevention helps.

Common Problems:

Aphids
Thrips
Root rot
Fungus due to poor airflow

Solutions:

Spray neem oil weekly
Avoid overwatering
Improve ventilation
Check leaves regularly

Spring onions grown in PVC pipes have fewer soil pests compared to open soil.

11. Growth Stages and Timeline

Week 1: Seed germination

Week 2–3: Seedlings strengthen; thin them

Week 4: Plants begin producing new shoots

Week 5–6: Green onions ready for harvest

Week 7–10: Regrowth after cutting

After Week 10: Continuous harvesting possible

You can harvest spring onions in just 40–50 days.

12. How to Harvest Spring Onions Properly

Spring onions offer two harvesting methods:

Method 1: Cut-and-Grow-Again Harvesting

Use scissors to cut the stems 3 cm above the soil
Leaves will grow back within 10–15 days
You can repeat harvesting 4–5 times

✔ Perfect for year-round supply

Method 2: Full Uprooting

Grab the plant near the base
Gently pull it out
Replace the hole with new seeds

✔ Best when stalks thicken and bulbs form

13. Maintaining Continuous Production

To keep your PVC pipe always full:

Sow new seeds every 3 weeks
Refill compost once a month
Remove weak or thin plants
Rotate pipe direction for even sunlight

This ensures nonstop spring onions all year long.

14. Bonus Tips for Maximum Growth

Use reflective foil behind the pipe to improve light
Add mulch on top holes to retain moisture
Avoid overcrowding—airflow is essential

Keep seeds moist until they germinate

Use vertical pipes for small spaces
Use horizontal pipes for larger harvest

Conclusion: Fresh Spring Onions at Your Fingertips

Growing spring onions in PVC pipes is one of the easiest and smartest gardening projects for beginners and urban gardeners. With minimal space, simple materials, and regular care, you can enjoy fresh, crunchy, flavorful green onions throughout the year.

This seed-to-harvest PVC pipe method is:

Low-maintenance
Fast-growing
Highly productive
Space-efficient
Perfect for rooftops, balconies, and home gardens

Follow the steps in this guide, and in just a few weeks, your PVC pipe will be overflowing with vibrant green spring onions ready for your kitchen.