How should I handle onions immediately after harvesting?

Immediate post-harvest handling determines the success of your onion crop. I learned this the hard way, after I bruised bulbs during hurried transport. Keeping them gently handled ensures the protective skins remain intact, which helps prevent rot during the curing process. Never drop or stack onions in deep piles. Place them gently in a padded container, right in the garden.

Avoid compression damage through smart stacking. Place bulbs in single layers, leaving room between each one. Use the tops as coverage over adjacent bulbs, serving as a natural cushion. I use spiral patterns to load mine and prevent contact points, which can create bruising.

Control temperature during transport. Never leave containers in hot vehicles or exposed to direct sunlight. Temperatures of 80°F or above are sufficient to start cooking onions. I utilize shaded garden carts and move at a cooler time of the morning to protect my harvest from damage due to heat.

Deal with the high-humidity challenges proactively. When dew or humidity threatens, put bulbs under fans as soon as possible. Circulate the air around the containers. I did this last August when humidity spikes occurred unexpectedly, and it saved my harvest in Georgia.

The key to amazing onions is handling them well with post-harvest methods. Firm, low-storing bulbs will repay your tender loving care. Those sweet homegrown flavors will be at their best as long as you transition from soil to storage seamlessly. Time spent in the kitchen cooking with onions handled well will be rewarding.

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