Pull the shallots when the tops start to die back and turn brown. Do this on a warm day with no rain. Let the shallots dry in the sun for a few hours so that the dirt is completely dry on them. Shake off as much dirt as can be done easily. Peel off the outer dirty layer(s) of the bulb until you get to clean ones. Cut off the tops (if you want) leaving at least 1 inch above the bulb. If you want, you can dust with sulphur at this point to help prevent storage rot from starting to grow. (Sulphur Dust only, not lime sulphur or Bordeaux) Put the bulbs in a drying rack, single layer, outside under cover where the breeze can blow around them, but they cannot get wet from rain. Let them cure for at least 2 weeks. You should get papery husks completely surrounding them before storing in a cool dark place.