[amroche]

Hi anyone know where on line you could buy bags for potaotes that would be suitable, ie block out light etc, and where I could get net bags for storing onions?

Thanks in advance

Aisling

[monkeynic]

I dont know if this helps but I'm sure I was told you/read could use tights/stockings for storing onions in?

[michael brenock]

i always string up the onions, starting with 4-5 bulbs tied by a running knot. Then I add 3-4 at a time wrapping the string around each group as I go until I have 25-30 onions on each string. I put a loop on the top end and hang it from a nail in the garage rafters.
Never store the onions until they are dried fully.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[catnip]

micheal, a question... do you have to dry out onions before using them i have some growing in pots on the decking and had planned to use as i harvest....it's my first time growing onions...i only have 10 planted to see how i go with them. thanks ( :

[michael brenock]

no need to wait until onions have dried. Onions can be used as they are growing or while they are still green.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[catnip]

many thanks micheal ( :

[Blowin]

Aisling - Everyone's gone off on a tangent about onions.

For your potatoes I presume it depends on quantity. If you've got a lot (several hundred kilos), you'll really need to devote an area of a shed to store them loose. If you're going to use bags, Bord na Mona fuel bags are strong and last for ages whilst 'breathing' to avoid 'sweating'. Whichever you use, a couple of inches of loose straw over the top will help.

To keep the light out of either, you may like to cover them with the modern varieties of roofing felt that are light and exceptionally pliable. Find a roofer doing someone's roof. Smile sweetly and ask if he's got an end of roll left over. You can stick/sew strips together to make one big sheet but it's not really necessary. Overlapping strips and placing a stone here and there to keep them in position should suffice.

Michael's advice on onion ropes is the best. The old Breton onion growers did that and they made a living from onions.

[Greenside Up]

Burgon & Ball are a UK company with a beautiful range of products, including harvesting & preserving goods. Our local garden centre Morgans in Carlow sell their stock. The Secret Garden in Cork also sell some of their products & are very helpfull so may be able to order them in for anyone. Check out their online shop at www.thesecretgardener.com.

[michael brenock]

to keep the light off potatoes in store use a black rubbish bag slit along the edge to give double the width. turn the cover occasionally as the potatoes will give off a lot of moisture. When stored in bulk take precautions against rats. the place should be dry and frost proof. Store only the potatoes that are undamaged and pest and disease -free, woven black mulch is also suitable for covering
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[monkeynic]

Michael, just with reference to your comment of keeping only pest and disease free ones, a lot of our second earlies have scab (think it because it was only converted from grass last year) I think the potatoes we have for our main crop is scab resistant (king edwards and golden wonder) But can you store potatoes with scab or will they go bad?

[stooriefit]

Try your local chip shop, they usually get their tatties delivered in paper bags,and are usually glad to give them to local gardeners gratis. They keep the tatties dry and keep out the light