Literally. Step on them and knock them down. By doing so it breaks the top shoot it keeps the energy in the bulb. The little roots now only have to feed the big root, the bulb itself. Over time they will grow larger than if left vertical. This should be done once you notice the seed head has formed. First you cut it off, then you walk ‘em down!
Although, I must admit, they do look pretty sad just lying there.
Images and content copyright © 2009-2010 Danielle R Limoge.
i walked down my onions, and the greenery died. lol. The bulbs still didn't really grow at all. i think my soil is just not great for onions.
The top shoots should die, then the remaining nutriets are put into the bulb and not feeding the greens. I'm not sure if mine got much bigger then they would have if I had not walked them down. I was following the advice of an old farmer…who I believe to hit the sauce pretty hard! hahaha