Pam, why would you want to cover them? And with what?

Hi, when they start to pop out of the ground and the top of the onions are showing, some say cover them up and some say move the dirt away a little.My husband's Dad always covered them and I always let the top peak through. I want nice onion this year so I have to find out what to do. Thank you for helping. God Bless, Pam5

Some may say to cover the onions when they appear. You'll find more who will say to remove enough soil to reveal at least 60% of the bulb. However, nothing tells you if either is correct advice or not! Best advice is to pay no attention to either one and just allow the bulbs to pop up on their own. You want them to have no restriction for expansion and you want that outside wrapper skin to properly harden.

Exception is if you have very, very heavy soil. Then you may want to scrape away some dirt. If not, the bulb may actually become trapped in the hard soil and you end up with a long torpedo shape or tiny bulb.

Martin

Martin, the soil doesn't have to be all that heavy to prevent onions from popping to the surface on their own.

Even in my prepared beds, the Bottle Onions seem to be the only ones that pop on their own. Others that I've grown need a little help.

But it's no big deal. While weeding I just run my finger around the bulb to expose it. Once given that little bit of help, they come up on their own just fine.

I haven't noticed it, but I'm wondering if perhaps the soil is crusting slightly; just enough to impede the bulbs? That's the only explanation I have.

Hi everyone! you guys sound just like my husband and I I am going out to weed my onions and I am going to just clear a enough dirt away to clear tops for expantion. Thanks so much for everyones help!!!!God Bless Pam5