How effective field drying will be depends greatly on the specific climate. Doesn't work for all by any means.

The goal is to provide a dry, out of direct sun location with good air circulation. If you have a place to do it in the house, fine. Most just don't want all the dirt and mess in the house. Spread on a tarp under a shaded deck that has a cross draft of air.works for me.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I was hoping to get a reply from you.
So out of the sun is the way to go.

Onions, often are mostly exposed (50% or more), so being in the sun is not going to harm a great deal. The idea s to dry the tops faster. Otherwise there is nothing to drying the bulbs. Just stop watering prior to harvest an shake'm off. But it is better to avoid direct sun, rain, during the curing time. JMO

Hmmm..........this is my first year growing onions. Mine have been flopped over practically since I planted them. I though I was supposed to wait until after they flowered to harvest them, and they havent done that yet. I'm growing cabernet red onions. They look to be only about 3" in diameter right now at the most.. Is that all I am likely to get at this point?

I though I was supposed to wait until after they flowered to harvest them'
------------------------------------------------
What you say , mandolls??? You wouldn't want your onions to flower !!! And in ideal desirable conditions, THEY SHOULD NOT FLOWER.

That sounds like crossed wires between growing onions and potatoes.

What you say , mandolls??? You wouldn't want your onions to flower !!! And in ideal desirable conditions, THEY SHOULD NOT FLOWER.
So other than harvesting how does one keep onions from flowering, do you trim the tops???

You grow the right onions for your region at the right time of year, you plant seedlings, not sets, you don't let them grow for a 2nd year.

First year onions do not normally flower. Second year onions WILL flower.

Yes, if they threaten to flower, cut off the seed stalk (this will be in the middle and have a bulb on the end.)