Many consider that the main thing is to grow large onions. But in reality their preservation in winter depends not so much on the size as on when you harvested them and how you prepared them for storage. Several simple rules will help avoid rot, mould and premature sprouting.

How to understand that the onions have ripened?

Do not hurry with the harvest. Usually the onions are ready for digging when:

• the tops have yellowed and lain on the ground approximately by 70–80%;
• the neck has become soft and thin;
• the outer scales have acquired a characteristic golden or reddish shade, depending on the variety.

If the forecast promises prolonged rains, it is better to harvest the crop a little earlier than leave it in wet soil.

How to dig correctly

It is best to do this on a dry sunny day. Carefully lever the bulbs with a fork or spade, then with the hands clean them of large clods of earth. It is not worth knocking the bulbs against each other — even small damages shorten the storage period.

The most important stage is drying

Immediately after harvesting lay the onions in one layer under a canopy, on the veranda or in another well-ventilated place. Direct sunlight is permissible only in the first hours, and then it is better to dry in the shade.

Full drying takes 10–14 days. During this time the neck fully dries, and the outer scales become dense and rustling.

Only after this cut the roots and tops, leaving a neck about 3–5 cm long.

How to store in winter

For long-term storage only absolutely dry and healthy bulbs are suitable. They are put into nets, wooden boxes, baskets or paper bags. The room must be dry, cool and well ventilated.

And one more advice: before storing carefully sort the harvest. Even one damaged bulb is capable of spoiling the neighbouring ones.

Observing these simple recommendations, you will be able to preserve the harvest strong, juicy and without losses practically until spring itself.

This material was prepared by the editorial team using artificial intelligence tools. All information has been verified and edited before publication.