When harvesting onions, the best way to "crop" them (which likely means to harvest or pull them from the ground) is to gently pull them up, avoiding damage to the bulb. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Wait for Maturity: Onions are typically ready to harvest when their tops begin to yellow and fall over. This indicates the bulb has stopped growing.
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Loosen the Soil (If Necessary): In loose soil, you can often just gently tug on the bulb (don't yank on the leaves!) and they'll come right out. If the soil is compacted or the onions are large, use a garden fork or shovel to carefully loosen the soil around the bulb. Be careful not to directly touch or damage the onion bulb itself. Work around the outer edges.
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Gently Pull: Once the soil is loosened, gently pull the onion up by the bulb, not the leaves. This minimizes bruising and damage.
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Curing Onions: After harvesting, allow the onions to cure in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated place for 1-2 weeks. This process helps to dry out the outer layers, preventing rot and extending their storage life. You can lay them out in a single layer or hang them in mesh bags.
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Cutting the Tops and Roots: Once the onions are cured, trim the roots back to about 1/2 inch and cut the tops off about 1-2 inches above the bulb.
By gently loosening the soil and pulling the onion by the bulb, you can effectively harvest your onions for storage and use.
