Harvesting onions from the garden for storage: harvesting technology

Onions are a vegetable that occupy a place of honor in any garden. Not only do they add a piquant flavor to our dishes, but they also serve as a veritable storehouse of vitamins and minerals. However, to preserve these beneficial properties throughout the winter, they must be properly harvested and prepared for storage. In this article, we'll cover every step of this not-so-exciting, yet crucial, process.

When is the best time to harvest onions?

Onion harvesting timing plays a key role in their subsequent storage. The optimal timing depends on a number of factors: climate conditions, onion variety, and planting method. Typically, depending on the region and growing conditions, onions ripen in the second half of July or early August.

To determine whether the onion is ripe and ready to be harvested, you should pay attention to several signs:

• Yellowing and drying of onion feathers, which usually starts from the bottom.
• The drooping of the feather on the ground is a natural process indicating that the bulb has stopped receiving nutrients from the soil.
• You should carefully check the bulbs themselves: the husk should be dry and easily peel off the bulb.

However, such natural signs don't always have time to appear due to sudden weather changes or other factors, so experienced gardeners note that it's best not to wait until the onions are completely dry, but to begin harvesting them gradually to avoid them becoming overgrown or possibly rotting in wet weather.

Climatic features of the region

Depending on the growing area, it's recommended to take local climate conditions into account. In southern regions, onions ripen faster due to the greater number of sunny days, while in northern areas this process may take longer. However, if a rainy summer has resulted in excess moisture, the harvesting period can be accelerated to prevent bulb rot. However, the main rule here is to check the ripeness of the onions and the condition of the bulbs themselves.

How to Properly Harvest Onions: Preparing for Harvesting

Before harvesting onions, it's important to properly prepare. This is crucial for preserving the harvest and ensuring its long-term storage. First, stop watering the onions 2-3 weeks before the expected harvest date. This will help the bulbs gradually acclimate to the dry conditions and better develop a protective skin.

Don't forget to prepare the necessary tools. Typically, a pitchfork or shovel is used to carefully lift and release the bulbs from the soil without damaging the roots. If the soil is light and loose, you can do this without tools, simply gently pulling the bulb by the stem.

How to avoid damage and loss during cleaning

Damaged bulbs quickly begin to rot, so be careful when harvesting. Avoid forcing the onions out; gently loosen the soil at the base and tug the green parts of the bulb. To preserve the harvest, avoid bumps or scratches on the bulb's surface, as damage can allow pathogens to enter.

• Check the soil moisture in advance – it should be dry enough.
• Avoid using knives or other sharp objects to free the roots.
• After harvesting, do not cut off the feathers immediately; let the onions rest and dry in the open air.

Drying: an important step in preparing onions for storage

Drying onions is one of the most important steps in preparing the harvest for long-term storage. After removing them from the ground, they should be laid out in a dry, ventilated area. A sheltered spot protected from direct sunlight and rain is ideal. If weather permits, you can leave the onions in the garden, but be careful not to let them sit in water.

Over the course of two weeks, the onion gradually loses excess moisture, and the skins become dry and adhere tightly to the bulb. After this, the onion can be cut off, leaving a small neck of 3-4 centimeters.

Table: Optimal conditions for drying onions

condition	parameters
air temperature	20-25 degrees Celsius
air humidity	60-70%
drying time	10-14 days
place	ventilated, protected from precipitation and direct sunlight

Storing Onions: How to Preserve Your Harvest Until Next Season

Properly dried and prepared onions can be stored until the next season. At this stage, it's important to choose the right storage location and follow certain guidelines to prevent the bulbs from sprouting and rotting.

The optimal place to store onions is a dry, dark, well-ventilated area. This could be a cellar, pantry, or attic. It's important to keep the room temperature between 0 and 3 degrees Celsius, as higher temperatures can cause the bulbs to sprout.

Methods for storing onions

• Braiding: one of the oldest and most tried-and-true methods. Onions are tied into braids, which are then hung in a cool, dry place.
• Baskets or boxes: Onions are placed in wicker baskets or boxes, allowing air circulation.
• Nets: Onions are placed in special nets that can be hung.
• Store in paper bags or boxes: remember to make holes for ventilation.

It is important to regularly check the condition of the onions and remove any rotten or sprouted specimens so that they do not infect the rest.

Conclusion

Harvesting and storing onions is not only a necessary, practical process, but also a true art. By devoting a little time to learning all the nuances, you can provide your family with a supply of this tasty and healthy vegetable for the entire winter. Adhere to the deadlines, carefully approach the harvesting process, and meticulously prepare the onions for storage—and your efforts will be rewarded. We hope our tips will help you master this task with flying colors!