Many consider that the main thing is to dig up the onions in time. But in reality their keeping quality in winter largely depends on what you do with the harvest in the first days after harvesting. Exactly in this period the storage term is laid. If simple rules are neglected, even strong bulbs can begin to rot already in a few weeks.

Dry the harvest well

Do not hurry at once to put the onions away into the shed or cellar. If the weather allows, spread them in one layer right outside under a canopy or in a well-ventilated place. Drying usually takes 10–14 days. During this time the neck completely dries, and the upper scales become dense and will protect the bulb from moisture.

Do not cut at once

Experienced gardeners advise not to cut the leaves on the day of harvesting. While they dry, the nutrients continue to pass into the bulb. When the tops completely dry, they can be carefully cut, leaving a neck about 3–5 centimeters long.

Select the damaged bulbs

Before laying for storage carefully sort the entire harvest. All soft, cracked, rotten or damaged specimens are better used for food in the first place. Only completely healthy and dense bulbs are worth storing.

Correctly choose the place

Onions are best stored in a dry, dark room with good ventilation. Nets, wooden boxes, woven baskets or cloth bags will suit. Plastic bags should not be used — in them condensate quickly accumulates, which becomes the cause of the appearance of rot.

Do not forget to check the stocks

Even ideally prepared onions are desirable to examine at least once a month. If one bulb has begun to spoil, it is better to remove it at once so that the problem does not spread to the neighbouring ones.

These uncomplicated rules help preserve the harvest practically until spring itself. A little attention after harvesting — and in winter you will use your own strong, juicy and aromatic onions without losses.

And how do you store onions?

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