Materials
Gather these supplies
- Smooth 1×3 frame lumber
- Galvanized welded mesh
- Four legs and diagonal braces
- Retaining strips
- Exterior screws
Free step-by-step project guide
Build a Shaded Bulb-Drying Rack
A raised mesh shelf for curing onions or garlic in shade with moving air and no deep piles.
What you are making
A useful project with a defined stopping point.
Create a 24 × 48-inch rack with enclosed wire edges and one-bulb-deep airflow.
- Time
- 2–3 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Estimated cost
- $20–$65
- Finished size
- 24 × 48 inches × 30 inches high
Tools
Set up the work area
- Saw
- Drill/driver
- Tin snips
- Square
- Pliers
- Eye and hand protection
Measurements
Mark before cutting
- Shelf: 24 × 48 inches
- Height: 30 inches
- Mesh opening: smaller than the smallest bulb
- Bulb depth: one layer only
Build it in order
Step-by-step instructions
Read the entire plan before making the first cut or hole. The check under each step tells you when it is ready to move forward.
- 01
Choose the curing space
Use a shaded, rain-protected, well-ventilated area away from animals and direct sun.
- 02
Build the shelf frame
Make a 24 × 48-inch rectangle with a center brace.
- 03
Attach and trap mesh
Staple mesh, then screw retaining strips over every cut edge.
- 04
Add legs and bracing
Fasten four legs and braces so the rack cannot sway.
- 05
Clean and load lightly
Brush soil from harvested bulbs without washing them, then place one layer apart.
- 06
Inspect and rotate
Check daily, remove soft bulbs and rotate if one side receives less air.
Use and maintenance
Keep it useful
- Curing method varies by crop and weather.
- Move the rack indoors during rain.
- Store only sound fully cured bulbs.
Safety boundaries
Know when to stop
- Keep the rack away from pesticides and animal waste.
- Wear protection while cutting wire.
- Follow crop-specific food-safety guidance.
Build alongside our family
See the projects and systems behind the ranch.
These written plans give you the order and measurements. Our YouTube videos show the ordinary problem-solving, repairs and family work that inspired this library.
Use the rest of the material
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