Can onions survive winter in the ground?

Onions cannot survive well over winter in frozen ground. Bulbs sustain irreparable harm when soil freezes, below 28°F (-2°C). Ice crystals break cell walls, and bulbs become mushy. I learned this after losing an unforeseen early frost in the fall. Harvest bulbs before the first frost for winter storage.

The harvest time is determined by frost predictions. Pull the bulbs when the soil temperatures consistently hover near 40°F (4°C). Track your local first frost dates with historical records. I harvest mine 2 weeks before frost prediction to allow for curing. Never wait for signs of the ground freezing.

Use protective alternatives for winter supply. Store cured bulbs in 32-40°F (0-4°C) root cellars. Use unheated basements and control humidity levels to prevent mold growth. I keep my in mesh bags hanging from the cellar ceiling. This maintains a crisp texture for winter cooking.

Think about hardy alternatives for overwintering. Perennial potato onions can tolerate zone 5 winters with mulch protection. Plant Egyptian walking onions in the fall for a spring harvest. I use them for fresh winter greens, but I harvest the bulbs before a hard frost.

Seasonal transitions are an important part of growing onions all year long. Storing the primary bulbs as crisps makes soups and roasts more flavorful in the winter months. The homegrown flavor is preserved when harvested just before frost and stored. Protect your investment in your garden by taking timely action.

Read the full article: When to Harvest Onions: Complete Guide