Braiding Onions/Garlic...........

[SusieG]

Is there somewhere on here with a step-by-step for dummies on how to braid/pleat onions and garlic, please......??

It always looks easy when other people are doing it - and when I try it always ends up looking like a 'dog's dinner'..........!!!

[Bigmallly]

Give me a mo, I posted something a few years ago.................

[Bigmallly]

Found it.............it was only last year.........

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1364169

[Bigmallly]

A Video for dummies...................

[SusieG]

Hmmmmmm, thanks BM ..........
See, I told you I'm not very dexterous - you showed me that last year then...!!!!!

Does it matter what you use to braid them with (I've got some natural twine stuff, would that do?) - and another daft question - how long a piece of twine should I start with - and how many onions is it practical to do this with.....???

Just seen you've put a video on - cheers!!!!

[Bigmallly]

They can get pretty heavy so I would use a 2ft piece of "strong" string so when tied it becomes a 1ft braid.

[Bigmallly]

Hmmmmmm, thanks BM ..........
See, I told you I'm not very dexterous - you showed me that last year then...!!!!!

I look forward to you asking next year....................

[SusieG]

I'm filled with anticipatory confidence after watching that video now, BM..!!

Can't wait to finally dig up my onions, get them dried and have another bash at it..!!!!

[Bigmallly]

Once you have done one, there'll be no stopping you....................

[SusieG]

yup!

Then there's the garlic ...............!!!!

[Bigmallly]

I wonder if you can string Leeks.......................

[Penellype]

I've been doing this for years - I leave a little more of the onion leaf/stem than in the video as its less fiddly and also the onions are less likely to drop off when you remove their neighbours. I use baler twine and store mine in my garage, which works well.

[Bigmallly]

Yes, I also thought his stalks were a bit short, I leave mine longer & can always cut them off if too long.

[Jay-ell]

I done this last year or the first time and found it easier to cut the top off once I had the onion in the string - I also put it round one string, through the middle again and round the other string in a figure of 8.

You may need a longer string if the nail you're using to string them on is bashed into the ceiling joist of the garage.

[Snadger]

There are numerous ways of storing, some use ladies tights! (and possibly high heels also)

I often string my onions but have found they store better when laid on a latted bench so they aren't touching each other.