Harvesting dates for onions planted for winter storage in 2020 according to the moon

Despite the simplicity of growing onions, there are various factors to consider to ensure a truly good and abundant harvest. The variety of onion being grown is crucial, as early varieties are naturally harvested first, compared to late varieties. As with any other crop, there are favorable days for planting and harvesting onions, determined by weather conditions and the so-called lunar calendar.

Favorable days for harvesting onions for different varieties

Many rely on the lunar calendar when determining the timing of agricultural work. It describes the characteristics of the celestial body's movement throughout the year. The phases of the natural satellite are believed to influence the development of all living organisms, including plants:

• all work with crops of plants that form the fruiting part underground is carried out during the waning moon stage;
• For plants that produce fruit above the soil surface, the best time to carry out agricultural work is the waxing moon phase.

When harvesting winter-planted onions in 2020, it's important to consider which parts of the plant will be used. Therefore, onion sets and bulbs should be harvested during the waning moon, as they are still in the ground. The greens and seeds of the vegetable, which ripen above the soil surface, are harvested during the waxing moon phase. Here's a chart of favorable days for harvesting winter onions:

The days before and after the full and new moons are considered dangerous. During this period, plants are vulnerable, as the sap changes direction. Digging up winter onions during these periods risks losing all their nutritional and flavorful qualities, and their shelf life is significantly reduced.

Full Moon and New Moon in 2020:

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Onions are harvested first from storage beds in the south of the country. In central Russia, the Urals, and Siberia, the harvest is usually done at the same time. The harvesting time may change depending on the weather forecast. In the Moscow region, during warm weather, onions are harvested in late July or the first half of August. If the summer is hot and dry, the onions ripen a week earlier. In cold and damp weather, they ripen later.

In central Russia, where the climate is moderate, harvesting of the underground parts of the vegetable begins on July 10th. In the Moscow region, the weather is often cold in June. Therefore, the vegetable sometimes does not ripen at the usual time. Early varieties are chosen for cultivation in the Urals. Summer is short. Warm weather sets in in June. In August, it gets colder and rains begin. Ripe onions are harvested in early August, depending on the weather.

In hot, dry weather, turnips ripen earlier. In cool, rainy summers, ripening can take a week or more. All onion varieties have different growing seasons. Therefore, they are divided into three groups: early, mid-season, and late. Early varieties ripen 70 days after germination. The approximate harvest date is July 10th. Harvesting of mid-season varieties begins in early August or, in hot weather, in late July; the vegetables ripen in 90 days. Late onion varieties are dug up in mid-August and reach technical maturity in 100-120 days.

Signs of ripeness and harvesting

You can tell an onion is ripe by looking, first, at the above-ground portion of the vegetable; it turns yellow and falls onto the beds. The outer scales turn golden. Pull the onion, assessing the size of the roots. If the vegetable is ripe, check for other signs of ripeness. The junction between the green part and the bulb becomes thin and soft. If the onions are planted in light soil, harvesting will be easy. Carefully pull the onions out of the ground, being careful not to damage the tops. Gently shake off the soil around the bulbs.

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If the onion grows in heavy soil, dig it up with a pitchfork, inserting the tool 15 cm from the plant. This process is easier if the soil is loosened beforehand. Do not pull the onions by the stems, as damaged upper parts reduce their shelf life. Do not water the bed before harvesting; irrigation should be stopped at least two weeks beforehand, otherwise the roots will rot, ruining the entire harvest.

If the weather is dry and there's no risk of frost, carefully lay the plants out in the garden for a day or two. If the weather is rainy or frost is possible, immediately transfer the harvest from the garden bed to a protected, well-ventilated storage area. A garage floor or covered porch is a good option. Lay them out in a single layer, being careful not to damage it. Leave them to dry until the collar is completely dry.

As the onions are disinfected, the necks gradually wilt and the skins shrink. When the necks are completely dry, use scissors to cut the roots of each onion, leaving the base intact. The leaves are trimmed back to 2.5 cm from the fruit. Select onions with necks that are not completely dry, or bruised or damaged ones; these are used first.

Storing onions

Onions can be stored for months. They contain sulfur compounds (the substances that make you cry when you cut them), which help preserve them. To extend their shelf life, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place with a temperature between 0 and 3°C. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as this promotes rotting. Here's a simple and effective way to store onions:

1. Inspect the entire harvest for soft spots, mold, or other signs of damage. Only whole bulbs are suitable for long-term storage. If they are already sprouting, use them immediately.
2. Vegetables are placed in wooden or plastic boxes, cardboard boxes, or simply hung in nets.
3. Several holes are made at the bottom of the container for ventilation, and the containers themselves are taken no higher than 25-30 cm.

Avoid storing onions near other produce. Many fruits and vegetables will absorb their aroma. They can also be stored by braiding them into long strands. Inspect them frequently and remove any onions that appear mushy or soft.

If storing vegetables in a cool place is not possible, a city apartment with a temperature of 18-22°C and humidity maintained at 50% will suffice. Too little humidity will cause the turnips to dry out, while too much will promote rotting, sprouting, and fungal growth.

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It's a myth that sliced ​​onions attract bacteria and viruses. In fact, the cut surface is acidic and contains sulfur compounds that inhibit bacteria and mold. This means it's perfectly fine to store leftover onions, whether they're halved, sliced, or chopped. Simply place the leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use within 7-10 days.

The lunar calendar's recommendations are valid only for a specific year. When purchasing a calendar, each person determines their own harvest time. However, it is also recommended to consider the region's climate, weather forecast, and rainfall. Only harvesting in dry weather will preserve the fruit's flavor and nutritional properties.