Can You Store Onions and Potatoes in a Laundry Room?

Hanging bags of onions from overhead hooks provides adequate ventilation.

Under the right conditions, potatoes and onions keep well during storage. Some laundry rooms provide the environment for successful vegetable storage, but many do not. Without optimum conditions, onions and potatoes keep for one to two weeks. Refrigeration is not recommended for either vegetable. After a few weeks, onions and potatoes may sprout, shrivel or develop mold. With careful curing and storage, they stay fresh for months.

Harvesting and Curing Onions

Pick onions in the garden when the tops begin drying and falling over. Spread the onions in a single layer on screens in the shade. Alternatively, place the newly harvested onions in a dark and well-ventilated laundry room, shed or garage for one to two weeks. The recommended temperature for curing is approximately 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the tops are dry and shriveled, trim the tops to within 1 inch of the onion bulb. It usually takes three to seven days for the onion tops to dry. The onions keep for two to four weeks under these conditions.

Storing Onions

Place the onions in shallow boxes, mesh bags, old nylons or slatted crates. Don't fill the boxes, bags or crates more than1/2 full allowing for adequate ventilation. Store the onions in a dry and cool place, close to 32 F but not allow the onions to freeze. A dark, unheated laundry room that maintains a temperature slightly above 32 F successfully stores onions. Onions begin spoiling in about four months.

Harvesting and Curing Potatoes

Late season potatoes store more successfully than early crop varieties. Harvest the potatoes when the vines die. Carefully dig the potatoes, avoiding cuts and bruises on the vegetables. Opinions differ about washing the potatoes before storage. If the potatoes are washed, allow them to air dry before placing them into ventilated bags or boxes. Place the potatoes in a dark, moist, well-ventilated environment and cure for one to two weeks. A temperature of 60 to 75 F is ideal for curing.

Storing Potatoes

After curing, place the potatoes in a cool, dark area, such as a basement or cellar. Store at 40 to 45 F. Some laundry rooms may provide these conditions. With this environment, potatoes stay fresh for three to eight months.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension; How to Pick, Store, and Sell the Vegetables You Grow; 2009
• North Dakota State University; Vegetable Storage Tips; May 1989
• University of Rhode Island: Garden to Table: Storing Fresh Garden Produce; September 2006
• University of Wisconsin; Storing Vegetables at Home; H.C. Harrison; 1996
• University of Wisconsin; Extend the Harvest by Properly Storing Fruits and Vegetable; 2006