Marianne's Response
shepmama’s Question
I’m an organic gardener, had lettuce started for the winter (mild here in southeastern NC) and it finally started growing well, in March, was good for about a month and then began to bolt and turn bitter. Is there a way to prevent this, and is there something I can do with it once harvested when it’s too bitter?
Val Shepard
Posted by Valerie Shepard on May 31, 2013
Marianne's Response
The warm weather makes lettuce bolt or go to seed and turn bitter. The easy answer is to cover the crop with a shade cloth or hoop house that keeps off the sun. Plent of water and good air circulation also helps. Don't forget you can plant a fall crop of lettuce once the weather cools. A hoop house or covering will keep the lettuce producing almost all winter in your area. Keep growing - and Keep Cool, Marianne Binetti
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