In today's lesson, Mitch talks about all things Onions. He always has an abundance of this sweet chef's staple in his No Dig Kitchen Garden and will share his knowledge about growing them in multi-sown style and the best way to harvest them.

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So, how can you tell they're ready to harvest? They should naturally start to fall over and bend in the stem. If this hasn't happened by the 15th - 20th of July, you can gently bend them over yourself which will help with storability later in the Summer. 

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Harvesting your Onions is simple but different depending on your soil type. A loose sandy medium will allow you to twist and lift, shaking off the excess soil. If you're working with clay or heavy medium, you may need a Hori Hori or a trowel to gently prize them up.

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Be careful not to disturb or destroy the root plate as this is an important Onion plant structure that will allow them to keep better.

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Harvest in a bunch, trim the roots while moist, and brush off the flaky outside skins without peeling back thick layers.

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To preserve your Onions, lay them out in the sun to dry & cure. They will create their own 'packaging' by toughening and tightening the outer skin. Then they'll be ready to plait and hang in your kitchen. 

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Mitch shares some stories & recommends beautiful & delicious varieties of Onions you can grow on your patch!