What to Do With Too Many Onions
If you’ve had a good growing season, you might be wondering what to do with too many onions. A bumper onion harvest is a great problem to have, but without a plan, onions can quickly spoil or go to waste.
⭐ Recommended Products — 🧅 Onions (Seeds, Sets & Storage Essentials)
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
Click here to see top options
Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
Click here to see top options
Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
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Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
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Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
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Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
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Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
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Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
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Onions are a staple crop for gardens and allotments — easy to grow and brilliant for long-term storage when done right.
• Onion Sets (Spring & Autumn Planting)
Small starter bulbs that are quick and reliable to grow — ideal for beginners and perfect for strong, consistent harvests.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Onion Seeds (Wide Variety Selection)
Great if you want more choice, larger crops, or specific varieties for cooking or salads — cost-effective and ideal for early sowing under cover.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Onion & Vegetable Feed (Balanced Fertiliser)
Specially formulated fertiliser to support healthy leaf growth and strong bulb development — apply during the growing season for better yields.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Onion Storage Bags (Breathable Mesh Sacks)
Allows airflow while storing harvested onions — helps prevent rot and keeps bulbs fresh for months.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Onion Drying Rack / Harvest Storage Crate
Perfect for curing onions after lifting — improves longevity and ensures proper drying before storage.
👉 Click here to see top options
This guide covers the best ways to store, preserve, cook, and use surplus onions so none of your hard work is lost.
Why Onion Gluts Are So Common
Onions are reliable, productive crops, especially when grown from sets.
Large harvests often happen because:
- Conditions were ideal
- Onions didn’t bolt
- Bulbs sized up well late in the season
If you’re growing onions regularly, this situation will come up again.
For a full overview of growing onions successfully, see ONION SETS UK: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PLANTING, GROWING & HARVESTING ONIONS.
Option 1: Store Onions Long Term
The best option for many gardeners is storage.
Properly cured onions can last:
- Several months
- Through autumn and winter
- Until the next growing season
Only firm, undamaged onions should be stored.
For full instructions, see HOW TO STORE ONIONS LONG TERM.
Option 2: Pickle Surplus Onions
Pickling is ideal for:
- Red onions
- Strong or peppery onions
- Onions that won’t store well
Pickled onions keep for weeks and soften sharp flavours.
For a quick method, see PICKLED RED ONION RECIPE.
Option 3: Freeze Onions
Freezing is a great option if:
- Storage space is limited
- You want ready-to-use onions
- Bulbs are damaged or split
Frozen onions are best used for cooking rather than raw use.
For full instructions, see CAN YOU FREEZE ONIONS.
Option 4: Use Onions Fresh in Cooking
Onions can be used daily in:
- Soups
- Stews
- Sauces
- Roasted dishes
Stronger onions are particularly good for slow cooking.
If your onions taste very sharp, read WHY DO SOME ONIONS TASTE PEPPERY.
Option 5: Dry or Dehydrate Onions
Drying onions:
- Saves space
- Extends shelf life
- Creates ready-to-use ingredients
This works best with thinly sliced onions and good airflow.
If storage life is a priority, variety choice matters. See BEST ONION VARIETIES FOR UK GARDENS.
Option 6: Share or Swap
If you still have too many onions:
- Share with friends or neighbours
- Swap for other produce
- Donate locally if possible
Homegrown onions are always appreciated.
Which Onions Should Be Used First?
Use onions first if they are:
- Damaged
- Bolted
- Soft
- Thick-necked
These onions won’t store well and are best cooked, frozen, or pickled.
If bolting has been an issue, see WHY ONIONS BOLT AND HOW TO STOP IT for next season.
How Harvest Timing Affects Surplus
Harvesting at the right time helps reduce waste.
Onions lifted too early:
- Don’t store well
- Need using quickly
For correct timing, see WHEN ARE ONIONS READY TO HARVEST IN THE UK.
Summary: What to Do With Too Many Onions
- Store firm onions long term
- Pickle red or strong onions
- Freeze damaged or surplus bulbs
- Use fresh in everyday cooking
- Dry onions to save space
With the right approach, a surplus onion harvest is never wasted.
For complete onion-growing guidance, return to ONION SETS UK: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PLANTING, GROWING & HARVESTING ONIONS.
Related Onion Growing Guides
- WHEN TO PLANT ONION SETS IN THE UK
- BEST ONION VARIETIES FOR UK GARDENS
- WHY ONIONS BOLT AND HOW TO STOP IT
- HOW TO GROW ONIONS IN CONTAINERS
- PICKLED RED ONION RECIPE