[LivvyW]

Could someone put me in the right direction for some advice about showing onions.

I have (perhaps foolishly) got carried away when filling in the form for a local agricultural show. Last year i entered some veg, and managed to get two third prizes!

This year, because i was so chuffed with my white and red onions i decided to enter them.

From what i can gather onions are a bit trickier than other categories.

I pulled some white onions straight away and they have been drying for several weeks now in the greenhouse.  But they don't look like they are going to be dry enough to show.

The category just states they are to be onions from sets.  There is also another category for onions with green tops (which would have been easier to get together an offering)

What are my options? Is there any way to hasten drying?  Are red onions always shown dried and tied? I can't seem to find any red onion exhibits.

Sorry for ramble.  Oh........ show is 3rd Aug.

Vegmandan, I need you!

[yorky]

What are my options? Is there any way to hasten drying? 

Dust them with Talcum Powder, its what the top showmen do.

[aelf]

I show mine to my OH! She says 'very nice dear, now can you wash them' 

[rugbymad40]

Using talc is a good trick and works well - given some sunshine!

The green topped onions are usually spring sown from seeds and can include spring Onions.

Onions are best shown with the tops trimmed, folded over and then bound with Raffia.  This might also assist you with the green top issue.

If you are going to take showing vegetables seriously then obtain a copy of the RHS handbook.  It provides notes on what the judges are looking for and is used by exhibitors and judges alike.

I have shown for about 4 years now and have had a mix of success and failure.  Take lots of pictures each year of teh categories you are interested in as a guide of the standards.  Also visit other shows in the area, it will also give you inspiration.

Good Luck and keep us informed of how it goes - where are you based?

Rgeards

Rugbymad40