When to remove onions from the garden and how to dig them up

When to remove onions from the garden for storage

Harvest time is in July-August. But there is no strict time frame, since many factors influence the ripening of onions. For example, climate features, rainfall, fluctuations in air temperature, diseases and pests. Therefore, it is better to focus on the appearance Luke: he himself will tell you when to remove him from the garden.

How to understand that the onion is ripe and it's time to dig it out

As soon as the tops begin to lay down on the ground, stop watering and fertilizing for about 2-3 weeks. During this time, the bulbs will ripen and increase in size.

In this case, the feathers will begin to turn yellow. When the neck (the junction of the tops and the bulb) becomes thin and dry, it's time to dig the crop out of the ground.

Also pay attention to the bulb itself. Dry protective scales of white, golden or purple color should be visible on it - depending on the variety.

Do not tighten with picking onions, otherwise it will start growing and release a new arrow. Such specimens are not suitable for long-term storage.

How to remove onions from the garden

Try to carry out the procedure in dry sunny weather.

Do not pull out the vegetable with your hands, otherwise you can damage the bottom and, as a result, the heads will begin to rot during storage. It is better to step back from the bulb about 10 cm, dig it with a small shovel and carefully remove it from the ground, holding it by the neck.

Arrange the onions on the garden bed or on upturned crates in a single layer. Leave the vegetables to dry in the sun during the day. If the forecast does not promise rain, hold the bulbs in the air for a week, periodically turning them over. During this time, they will dry out properly, as a result of which they will be better stored.

Then gently shake off the remaining soil from the bulbs or remove it with your hands. Place the vegetables under a canopy in a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a porch or attic. Let them dry completely for 1-2 weeks.

What to do with onions after digging and drying

Sort the bulbs and discard damaged, rotten or moldy bulbs. Leave strong vegetables with smooth and dense husks. Cut off the roots of each bulb. Also shorten the leaves, keeping the stump at 5–10 cm.

After that, the crop will be ready for wintering. Learn how to properly store onions. our material.