Tying up droopy shallots?

[porterlizz]

Hi there.

I have a small raised vegetable bed in which I'm growing shallots. I planted them way back in the new year and they have a LOT of green growth on them (- not sure how much growth under the soil). However, the green growth has all fallen over into a bit of a mess, which makes it more difficult to spot weeds, and not much direct sunlight gets to the soil.

Is this normal? When I see pictures of people's onions they seem to be standing nicely erect. Is it okay to loosely tie up the greenery or is this a stupid idea?

Thanks for any advice!

[porterlizz]

hmm.. maybe this is a stupid question then

[Two_Sheds]

you don't need sunlight on the soil. Do you ?

Shallots and onions (and garlic) are meant to fall over (and turn brown) when they are ready to harvest.

[Alice]

I wouldn't tie up the shallots Porterliz. Just make sure they have enough water.

In the ordinary way of things the foliage will start to die down, the shallots will push their way to the surface and everything will get ready for harvest,

Be patient and let nature take it's course.

[gojiberry]

More likely to cause a perfect environment for a rot to set in if you tie up the leaves, as other grapes have said leave well alone.

Ian

[porterlizz]

Thanks people. I'm leaving them well alone, as advised. The greenery is lush. Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing

[Alice]

Porterliz, if you look at the greenery on your shallots you will see that it is in clumps. Each clump is a shallot. So, lots of green lumps equals lots of shallots.