Onions are one of those garden crops that can reward you long after summer ends—if you store them properly.
The secret starts with curing.
When Are Onions Ready?
As onions mature, their tops naturally begin falling over and drying.
Once they’re ready for harvest, lift them carefully to avoid bruising or damaging the bulbs.
Why Cure Onions?
Curing dries the outer layers and neck of the onion.
That dry protective exterior helps the bulb store longer.
Give Them Airflow
Arrange onions in a dry, well-ventilated location protected from rain and harsh conditions.
Don’t pile wet onions into a bucket and forget about them.
Air needs to circulate.
Know When They’re Cured
The outer skins should become papery and the necks should be thoroughly dry.
At that point, prepare them for storage.
Store Them Properly
Keep storage onions somewhere cool, dry, dark and well ventilated.
Mesh bags, crates or other breathable containers can work better than sealed plastic.
Check Your Supply
Inspect stored onions periodically.
Use any that begin softening first and remove spoiled bulbs.
Grow Food Beyond Summer
This is why I love storage crops.
A tomato feels like summer.
But onions, garlic, potatoes and winter squash can make the garden feel useful long after the first frost.
That’s the kind of garden I want:
One that keeps feeding us even when nothing is growing outside.
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