how can you tell if your onions are ready to dig up?

Question

I need some garden help I'm new to alot of the things I planted this year

Answer 1

If you've planted regular bulb onions, just wait for the tops to turn tan/brown and they'll eventually fall over on their own. When you begin to see this happening, stop watering. Wait a couple of weeks and then yank them out OR dig them out of the ground.

I usually just leave them out in the sun to dry until the tops dry out completely. Separate the dried-up tops from the onions and store them in a dry place (such as your garage) where they can be receive good ventilation. You don't want to store them in a plastic bag. I purchased a vented laundry basket to keep the onions dry and prevent them from rotting.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

To maximize yield and quality, onions should be harvested only when mature. The bulbing phase is often very rapid and occurs near the end of the onion's active growth period. During this time, the onion tops will begin to fall over and die. Onions should be ready to harvest when approximately 10 to 20 percent of the tops have fallen over. Harvesting begins with a shallow undercutting 1 to 2 inches below the bulbs. Undercutting initiates and hastens the onion's change from growth to dormancy. The practice of clipping the tops with a rotary mower just before harvest is not recommended in North Carolina because it increases the risk of disease

Answer 3

your stems or chives will be large and thick. about an inch or two in diameter. The base of the onion will begin to pertrude from the ground. If your stem begins to form buds on the tips you need to pull them up unless you want them to go to seed. the Onion itself is very tough after it goes to seed.