Harvest Your Onions Now: Expert Shares Trick to Preserve Crop

As onion stems begin to soften and change color, it signals that the bulbs have reached their maximum size and are ready for harvest. This transition indicates that the nutrients have successfully moved from the leaves to the onion bulb.

Experts advise harvesting onions within two to three weeks after their stems fall. Leaving them in the ground for longer can lead to the development of new roots, which significantly compromises their ability to be stored through the winter. Proper timing is crucial for ensuring a good yield and long-term storage.

When harvesting, it is essential to do so on a dry day. If the onion pulls easily from the soil, it can be gently removed by hand. However, if it is more resistant, using a fork is recommended to avoid damaging the base of the bulb. Forcefully pulling can injure the bottom, making the onion susceptible to rot.

After harvesting, onions should be spread in a single layer in a well-ventilated area. It is important not to cut the green stems immediately. As these stems dry, they continue to supply nutrients to the bulb, which aids in longer storage. Only after the stems have completely dried should they be cut before storing the onions for extended periods. Larger onions tend to have a shorter shelf life than medium-sized ones, so it is advisable to consume the largest bulbs first.