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Best Ways to Store Onions and Garlic Lifted in August
August is prime time to harvest onions and garlic that have matured from spring planting. With a little care, you can store your crop for months—ensuring a supply of homegrown flavor well into winter and spring. Here’s how to cure, handle, and store your onions and garlic for long-lasting freshness.
1. Harvest at Peak Maturity
- Onions: Harvest when the tops yellow and bend over naturally. Don’t wait for all leaves to flop—pull once most have fallen.
- Garlic: Harvest when the leaves are half to two-thirds yellow for best bulb size and storability.
2. Cure for Long-Term Storage
- Gently lift bulbs with a fork or trowel—avoid bruising or spearing them!
- Brush off loose soil (do not wash).
- Cure bulbs in a single layer in a warm, dry, well-ventilated, and shady spot—an open shed, porch, or garage is ideal.
- Cure for 2–3 weeks until the outer skins are papery, stems are dry, and roots brittle.
- Turn bulbs over every few days so all sides dry.
3. Trim and Clean
- Cut roots to about 1cm (½ inch).
- Onions: Trim necks to 2–3cm above the bulb, unless braiding.
- Garlic: Trim the stem if storing loose; if braiding, only trim roots and leave stems attached until after braiding.
4. Store Correctly
- Keep cool, dry, and ventilated: Ideal is 2–10°C (35–50°F), with humidity below 70%.
- Ideal containers: Mesh bags, net sacks, woven baskets, or shallow trays—never airtight plastic bags!
- Hang in braids or bundles: For soft-neck garlic and onions—attractive and practical.
- Keep out of direct sun and away from damp or heat.
5. Check Monthly
- Remove any sprouting, moldy, or soft bulbs to prevent rot spreading.
- Use up blemished or damaged bulbs first—these won’t keep.
Extra Tips
- Never store onions and garlic with potatoes or apples—these can accelerate sprouting or spoiling.
- Label your varieties and date your storage.
With these easy steps, your August-harvested onions and garlic will stay sweet, spicy, and usable for homemade soups, stews, and roasts—long after the garden beds go quiet.