Scallions, also known as green onions or spring onions, are one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow at home. Whether you enjoy them raw in salads, as a garnish, or cooked into savory dishes, scallions offer crisp texture and a mild onion flavor that enhances any meal. The good news? You don’t need a sprawling garden to enjoy a steady harvest—just a few wooden crates and a sunny fence or wall.

Growing scallions in crates placed against a backyard fence is a brilliant way to turn vertical or underused outdoor space into a thriving mini-garden. Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Why Grow Scallions in Crates?

Scallions are low-maintenance and grow quickly, making them perfect for container gardening. Wooden crates provide the depth scallions need to develop healthy roots, while still being shallow enough to manage easily. Placing the crates along a fence not only saves space but also creates a natural windbreak and shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Crate gardening is also ideal for urban gardeners who may not have access to open soil. It’s clean, portable, and allows you to control soil quality and drainage more effectively than traditional garden beds.

Choosing and Preparing the Crates

Look for wooden crates that are at least 8–12 inches deep. Wine boxes, fruit crates, or simple DIY wooden boxes work well. Drill a few holes in the bottom of each crate for drainage, and line the inside with landscape fabric or breathable burlap to prevent soil from falling through while still allowing water to escape.

If you’re placing the crates against a fence, consider mounting a few at waist height for easier access and to create a tiered planting system. Just make sure each crate has good exposure to sunlight.

Soil Mix for Healthy Growth

Scallions prefer loose, fertile soil that drains well. For your crate mix, use the following:

  • 2 parts high-quality potting soil

  • 1 part compost or aged manure

  • A handful of perlite or sand to boost drainage

Mix thoroughly and fill each crate to about an inch below the top to avoid overflow during watering.

Scallions grow best in neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.0), so if your compost is particularly rich, test your soil or balance it with additional potting mix.

How to Plant Scallions in Crates

There are two main ways to start scallions: from seed or from grocery-store cuttings.

1. From Seeds:

  • Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart.

  • Cover lightly with soil and mist gently with water.

  • Seeds will germinate in 7–14 days depending on temperature.

2. From Kitchen Cuttings:

  • Save the white bulb ends of scallions with roots intact.

  • Soak them in water for a few days until new green shoots emerge.

  • Transplant the bulbs into the crate about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.

This second method is a great way to recycle kitchen scraps and speed up the growing process.

Placement and Sunlight

Place your crates along a fence that receives 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. Scallions can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. The fence will provide some shelter from wind, while the sunlight will keep the plants productive.

If you’re stacking crates or hanging them, ensure the upper crates don’t cast too much shade on the lower ones.

Watering and Maintenance

Scallions prefer consistently moist soil, but they don’t like sitting in water. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once every 2–3 days in warm weather.

To maintain healthy growth:

  • Add a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

  • Trim off any yellowing leaves.

  • Remove weeds or debris from the crate surface.

Scallions don’t require much space, so you can succession plant every few weeks for a steady supply.

Harvesting Your Crate-Grown Scallions

You can begin harvesting scallions when they reach about 6–8 inches in height, usually within 30–40 days from seed. Use scissors or pull gently from the soil to avoid damaging surrounding plants.

If you want a continuous harvest:

  • Snip off just the green tops and allow the bulbs to regrow.

  • Or harvest every other plant and allow the rest to mature further.

The regrowth method works especially well if you planted using kitchen cuttings, as the roots are already established and will send up new shoots quickly.

Pests and Diseases

Scallions are relatively pest-resistant, but watch for:

  • Thrips or onion maggots – use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

  • Rot – avoid overwatering and ensure crates have good drainage.

  • Fungal issues – improve air circulation by thinning overcrowded plants.

Good crate hygiene and proper spacing can prevent most problems before they start.

Final Tips

  • Mulch with straw or shredded paper to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

  • Rotate your crates occasionally to balance sun exposure.

  • If your climate permits, scallions can be grown year-round.

Conclusion

Growing scallions in crates along a backyard fence is a smart, sustainable way to produce fresh greens with minimal effort. With the right setup, even a small outdoor space can provide a continuous supply of crisp, flavorful scallions perfect for everyday cooking. Whether you’re repurposing crates or building your own, this simple gardening method brings fresh harvests right to your doorstep.

jardin