Bending over onion tops

[Paulottie]

Most of the old books say you should bend over the tops when they start to go (except Bob flowerdew's organic bible ...he says never bend them over?)

Anyhow they should be left in situ for a couple of weeks before lifting to dry further on a rack.(or laid out on the soil)

Why do you have to leave them there for the week or two before lifting? what's the point? Why not go strait to the wire rack part? (or cushionless swing seat here!...excellent as it has cover!)...doesn't seem to make any difference as far as I can see. Are they still swelling? does it help storage?...just risks them getting wet as I see it.

Can you tell I've got some PSB to fill the spot that I'm keen to get in!?

[Flummery]

I've always preferred to lift them slightly with a fork. It just breaks the roots and helps them to ripen in the sun. However, looking at the present weather, your drying rack might be a better place!

[SarzWix]

Last year, when the weather was so grim, I lifted mine as soon as the tops fell over, didn't even wait for the leaves to wither. They were spread out on a couple of wire racks and put in the garage to finish drying out - till the skins were dry and the soil fell off the roots. I then plaited them into ropes and hung them from the garage ceiling, still while there was green in the leaves. They kept really well over winter, not a single one went soft. So I can't see that it makes any difference

[sewer rat]

I believe that bending over the onion tops can allow neck rot to affect the onions, so I don't. My problem this year is that I have had a lot of hot dry days and very very little rain and my red onions are starting to bolt already - not happy.

[Paulottie]

I normally scratch round them regularly to keep soil surface loose, weedfree and fluffy. Towards end, as they swell, I run my finger round each bulb to expose it to the sun for ripening.

It is then that I understand that the tops should be bent over, then they are left for 2 weeks before finally easing up to break roots. After that they are left to dry further (or removed to dry in bad weather)

I just wondered if anyone knew what the bending over bit did.

PS...I did almost the same as you last year Sarah with similar results

[SarzWix]

I wonder if bending the tops over stops them bolting?

[Paulottie]

Good thought.

(Sorry Rat) I've not had one bolt this year!