Vegetable Garden - Curing Onions

[KEPoles]

In Philly we don't store crawfish so what does an onion sack look like?

[webcajun]

@KEPoles ... It’s a sack that allows for lots of air flow……Donald

[haniyyahn]

Okay, good to hear that you'll keep going. You're a lot of people's favorite farming/gardening guru.

[haniyyahn]

Thanks for posting the videos. Please keep on going.

[webcajun]

@haniyyahn ... Lots of rain down here is going to cause a late planting this year but I do plan on making more videos……Donald

[OhHowHappyGardener]

Great video!! I need to get the Vidalia Onion chopper and some wire racks.

[webcajun]

@OhHowHappyGardener ... You'll find all sorts of uses for that chopper......Donald

[bill091086]

Nice job! You'd make a great neighbor!

[webcajun]

@bill091086 ... We could cut down on the grocery bill that's for sure.......Donald

[momheinan]

dang...I can SMELL onions!! Thanks again, Donald. :>)

[webcajun]

@momheinan ... If you chop em the same day of the harvest, no tears.......Donald

[gardeninggptx]

Donald when can I plant onion from seeds, NOTICE I am commenting. Yay!

[webcajun]

@gardeninggptx ... I'd go for late Oct or early Nov. I'm proud of you. lol......Donald

[TheMrsVolfie]

Recently I dehydrated a lot of Garlic then onions and made my own onion and garlic powders...onions have a LOT more water and yeild less in powder for..BUT..home made onion and garlic powder is MUCH tastier than ANYTHING you will find in the stores!

[webcajun]

@TheMrsVolfie ... Homemade stuff is always better......Donald

[weavermama]

@webcajun " Most of you have enough sense to put an onion in a sack." -- Don't be so sure, this is youtube.

[webcajun]

@weavermama ... LOL .......Donald

[TheMrsVolfie]

Nice Job!

[webcajun]

@TheMrsVolfie ... Thanks.......Donald

[byrongraham]

Great stuff. I love the comment at the end of the frozen oinion in bag part.." That'll spoil ya. "

[webcajun]

@byrongraham ... Trust me, when cooking it will. lol.....Donald

[anamariavideo]

Thank you for this video Bayou Gardener.

I have one red onion growing that has now gone to seed. Can I still eat the onion after its finished with its seeding process?

[webcajun]

@anamariavideo ...There probably won't be much left to the bulb once the seed head dries......Donald

[webcajun]

@ReddNeckerson ...I start with seeds in the fall, transplant those during the winter and harvest onions in early summer. I have no idea on the sets.....Donald

[clothespindolls]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[stratman250]

I have heard keeping the onion bags suspended from a hook is better for long term storage than setting on the ground as the onions will rot sooner on the floor/ground due to bruising of the onions from weight on concentrated points of the onions or possibly airflow. Is there any truth to this?

your videos really make me miss the South. Perhaps your videos will get some people to realize there is better use of time than TV and Gaming.

[webcajun]

@stratman250 ...Not sure just how much difference it would make to hang em or put them in crates after curing…..Donald

[hammondjam57]

I neglected to clean and set the onions in the sun before bringing them in, one year, and we had several that rotted. This IS a very important process if you want to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

[webcajun]

@hammondjam57 ...Doing it right is important......Donald

[calionstallion]

"Now I think most of you have enough sense to put an onion in a sack". I enjoy your videos and your sense of humor.

[webcajun]

@calionstallion ...Glad you enjoy, Thanks.....Donald

[Stormclouds777]

Lord Have mercy! I cant even begin to grow onions that big! Have you made a video on how to grow them?

[webcajun]

@Stormclouds777 ...Sure did, check out one of the last vids I posted.....Donald

[chickenbonewatt]

Very helpful, thank you sir!!

[webcajun]

@chickenbonewatt ...you're welcome......Donald

[DippinSonOfALee1865]

Sowed some onion seeds today. I have a small garden. I only have 6 cabbage plants, about 25 radishes, and 18 onions planted. My crops are for my family and I so do I have to cure the onions? What if I am going to eat them right away?

[webcajun]

@DippinSonOfALee1865 ... Store them on a shelf with good air circulation and they should be OK. You could also chop them up and put em in the freezer.....Donald

[webcajun]

@DippinSonOfALee1865 ...Store them on a shelf with good air circulation and they should be OK. You could also chop them up and put em in the freezer.....Donald

[MrBassMan56]

Hi Donald, I was wondering, I planted some onions a while back and a few of them has sprouted flower bulbs (not opened yet) should I cut them off? And I was wondering how long it takes for onions to mature, mine are fat at the bottom but not round yet, what you thinks, thanks for the great video's, a fan for sure....nen

[webcajun]

@MrBassMan56 ... how long have you had them planted? Did you plant seeds? Seems kind of early to have seed heads forming.

If you plant onions from seed in the fall, they won't be ready till about May. If you plant transplants it usually takes 100+ days.......Donald

[manyfuckinproblems]

hi im from barbados and im now startin a kitchen garden in my back yard and ur videos gr reattttttt u helped alot thank u

[MsAlicia58]

Hi I am from the dominican republic and I love your videos, I will start to plant onions tomorrow , I will tell you how it goes.

[webcajun]

@MsAlicia58 ... it won't be long before I'll be transplanting my onions.  Let us know how yours do.........Donald

[MaryColwell1]

hello my name is Gregory and i live in England i am nine and i love your videos because you teach me a lot.

[webcajun]

@MaryColwell1 ... Hey Gregory, glad they help and give you ideas to work into your garden.........Donald

[MaryColwell1]

@webcajun Hi Donald I made a small film on planting broccoli which you can see on my mum's channel marycolwell1 but I have a small garden. From Gregory

[potboy321]

Donald, why do you plant so much? Do you and your family save it all or do you sell your grown stuff as well? BTW, I need one of those devices...lol

[webcajun]

@potboy321 ... we use a good bit, I give some away and sell a little when I have too much.........Donald

[marygumbo]

thanks I have planted onions nothing comes up looking forward to some bigums now!

[webcajun]

@marygumbo ... I start from seed in Oct. and transplant the bulbs in Feb.........Donald

[vikes51349]

I was wondering if humidity would have an affect on curing them? I pulled mine left them set in the garden like you said. Then 3 weeks ago I put them on shelves will humidity slow this down as far as curing? We have been very humid here.

[webcajun]

@vikes51349 ... it probably does have some affect but the heat at this time of the year will cause them to go bad real quick. I would bring them inside soon as possible. Consider chopping and freezing some........Donald

[vikes51349]

I was wondering if humidity would have an affect on curing them? I pulled mine left them set in the garden like you said. Then 3 weeks ago I put them on shelves will humidity slow this down as far as curing?

[MrBassMan56]

Thanks a whole bunch! Good stuff! I'ma goin to work in me garden inspired, one question though, do you worry about the PH level? What would it be if it's important, me's be growin in So. Cal. and I is just a wondering, again Thanks...nen

[webcajun]

@MrBassMan56 ... I have some pretty good soil and have never done a soil test in the garden. My PH must be in range cause things do pretty well. If I were ever to move, the first thing I would do is a soil test. Would save a lot of time and heartache......Donald

[elektrarose]

Great informative video. Gonna check your others, they look great too!

Thx!

[webcajun]

@elektrarose ... you're welcome.......Donald

[elektrarose]

Thanks so much for a real informative vid. Checking out your others which also look great!

[MrSchatzelPCW]

very helpful. thanks.

-Oklahoma City

[webcajun]

@MrSchatzelPCW ... you're welcome.... Donald

[minibullterriers]

If you like the candy onions you should try the candy apple red onions. ED

[webcajun]

@minibullterriers ... Hey Ed, I may do that. Thanks......Donald

[spokanetrish]

Walla Wallas are VERY good...but our soil (just like the Vidalia's) is key to the flavor. So stick to "sweets" that grow well in your area.

[webcajun]

@spokanetrish ... "Candy" is a day neutral onion so it should grow just about anywhere. It does do well in my soil......Donald

[NDL200]

OMG.... these onions are soooo BEAUTIFUL!!!! Great JOB. I'm new at this gardening thing & I'm planing from seeds, does it matter what type I buy?

[webcajun]

@NDL200 ... variety determines the size. These are "Candy" which is a somewhat sweet onion that grows quite large. They also love fertilizer.........Donald

[NDL200]

@webcajun Thanks for the info.. Do you start your onions from seeds? I've been looking for onion seeds online, havent run across and "Candy" onions, but have run into the Walla Walla's. Do you know anything about these?

[webcajun]

@NDL200 ... never tried the Walla Walla. Once I found the Candy I stuck with em.......Donald

[QuickGardens]

Fantastic video. I like the freezer route. Very informative. I really enjoy watching. My onions didn't turn out so well. Maybe I have to much compost and not enough sand. They still are tasty though. Thanks

[webcajun]

@QuickGardens ... planting at the right time has a lot to do with it. I start my seeds in the fall, transplant and space out in late winter and harvest early summer. Guess you could plant at different times but those are ideal for my conditions...... Donald

[renzo623]

lol.....i just type in harvesting onions because I was curious! THANKS!

[webcajun]

@renzo623 ... it's fun harvesting onions that size. Doesn't take many to fill a sack....... Donald

[12quillemall5321]

Thanks for telling me you can freeze fresh onions.

[webcajun]

@12quillemall5321 ... we are still using some that were frozen last summer...... Donald

[jsamanthah]

great video!! i am starting my own vegetable garden in my decent sized backyard... here in the middle of houston, tx. out of all the books and videos i've seen, yours have been the simplest and most informative. keep em comin!! & thanks!

[webcajun]

@jsamanthah ... thanks and glad they're helpful...... Donald

[MrEgypt95]

excellent

[webcajun]

@MrEgypt95 ... thanks...... Donald

[woodlandcammo27]

How often did you water the onions when they were in the field? I have that same river flooded sandy soil that you have.

[webcajun]

@woodlandcammo27 ... I plant from seed in the fall and allow them to grow through the winter. The are transplanted in February and grow through late spring. That time of the year we get plenty rain so I probably didn't water very much, if any. Naturally if we get a dry spell then I would water. How often depends on the weather...... Donald

[vampireslayer617]

Hi! I've been watching a few of your videos, mostly because you're growing a lot of the things I am, and I'm a fairly new gardener. I'm originally from Lafayette, LA, and I guess I especially love your videos becuase it just brings me back home (I'm currently in SC)), y'know what I mean? Thanks for being so cool!

[webcajun]

@vampireslayer617 ... glad you enjoy the videos. Will be making a few more this year....... Donald

[dljones33]

Hey Donald, I put out bulb onions, I put out bulb onions but I only planted them about an inch.  Do I need to pull the soil away from the bulb?

[webcajun]

@dljones33 ... I've never pulled soil away from my onions but I've always planted from seed or plants. I have lots of sand in my soil and it stays pretty loose. If you have a hard clay you may need to pull some once the onions start getting some size to them. Ask others in your area and see what they have to say.......... Donald

[webcajun]

It's Cajun French for "don't turn the potato loose" or "don't give up" or "hang in there" or "good bye" depends on when you say it, who you're saying it to and what's going on at the time........... Donald

[webcajun]

You're welcome and glad you enjoyed the vid.......... Donald

[nibfu]

Hey Donald, enjoying your vids! So I just started germinating some Bedfordshire champion onions. I tend to do everything the wet paper towel method, never fails me. Anyway, our last frost date up here in Nova Scotia, Canada is usually around May 20th. Our first light frost date is at the end of Sept. Anyway, can i expect onions to be ready by the fall? Thanks for humoring my most-likely dumb question.

[webcajun]

Not a dumb question at all. Onions take about 100 days to mature........ Donald

[565Customz]

@nibfu start them indoors before the 8 week b4 frost to get yourself some more time

[x0xGrowingPainsx0x]

i can hear a dog in the back ground

[webcajun]

They are never far away........ Donald

[MrChickendog]

Thanks For ALL the onion info. Its has been very helpful. Curing onions was new to me. so thanks again.

O yeah and how do you keep dirt out of your crocs! jk

thanks

[webcajun]

Keeping dirt out of the crocs is impossible. LOL .......... Donald

[webcajun]

Glad I could help.......... Donald

[georgeky1]

Onions will keep for several months if you have a root cellar to put them in. I have about 250 pounds left from what I harvested in early July 09 and it is now Feb 2010 and they are still keeping fine. Keep them cool, dry, and in the dark and they will keep if properly cured like the webcajun suggests.

[webcajun]

Sorry, I can't help you with that one ........ Donald

[soapkid123]

i like to cut up the food i grow and then dehydrate them. i then vacuum seal them

[webcajun]

Good idea......... Donald

[crissala]

I guess I should have watched this video first. That would have told me what you do with so many onions.

They are so beautiful. I don't dare buy more than 10 lbs at a time and that's only if I'm gonna cook chili or 2/3 ground beef 1/3 onion and freeze it in family size portions.

[webcajun]

I freeze around 60-70 lbs. which last us till next season. We of course use them freash as well........ Donald

[saturno236]

how about garlic have any tips ?

[webcajun]

Sorry ... I don't grow it so not really........ Donald

[MissouriBabyBoomer]

Love your videos. Very informative.

[webcajun]

Glad you enjoyed...... Donald

[goldenyert]

After twenty-five years in the nursery business I finally planted onions this year! Out here in Northern California they are ready to be harvested. I was looking for information on how to do it and found you.

Great video! Told me just what I needed to know. I am going to go through your other vids as I get time.

Thank you,

Trey

[webcajun]

Glad I could help....... Donald

[thewhitenite007]

You are the best gardener on Youtube! Very helpful and precise. I hope my onions grow that large by summer's end

[webcajun]

Harvesting onions now. Watch for the June Field Trip, got a few big ones in there. LOL Glad you enjoy the videos...... Donald

[man4cannabis]

good vid i will try in the fall thank you merci

[webcajun]

You're welcome......  Donald

[homemademom1]

WoAH!! BEST LOOKING ONIONS..can i grow onions from seeds? or do i need bulbs? also i really am limited with space on my deck..:( what can i do or do you have a video on this already?

thanks for any help..

[webcajun]

Check out my vids and you'll find several covering planting from seed and bulbs...... Donald

[TrapHunt]

does this same method apply for white globe onions? i would assume so, but guess it don't hurt to ask. you got some nice informative videos guy! thanks!

[webcajun]

I would think so...... Donald

[webcajun]

I order my bulbs from Gurneys seed. They ship them to me in mid-February which is ideal time to plant. Apply fertilizer, till it in and plant your bulbs about an inch deep. Side dress with nitrogen about a month or so later. When the tops start falling over it is just about time to pull them. Usually takes about 100+ days from the time you plant.

[jacksnapper1]

Donald  IT's a great video thank you for the info.where did you get the chopper? James up in Tennessee

[webcajun]

I ordered several online (not sure from where) and was going to offer them on the website. My old one broke (my fault) so I had to use one of the new ones. I have several left in the box if you need one. Email me (address on the website) and I'll get one out to you. With shipping I think they're about 25 bucks.

[scarcherpilot]

I just want to know what you use to keep from crying while you are dicing them up :)

I lose about a gallon of water when I have to dice onions for things!

[webcajun]

Believe it or not I didn't shed a tear. Maybe it's the variety, not sure. They may become a little stronger after they're cured, we'll have to see.

[greentxmama]

Great video with lots of helpful information. Looks like you had a great harvest! :)

[webcajun]

Thanks. I estimate about 700 lbs. or an average of 1 pound per foot of row.

[theoriginalSkooby]

Thanks. Your storage tips are great.

[webcajun]

A small fan helps circulate the air around them. I think it may speed up the process by a few days.

[Octahoney]

Great Video, thanks!