LETTUCE TROUBLESHOOTER

QCan I stop lettuces bolting? A

Stress, including heat and a shortage of water, can make lettuces run to flower as they rush to produce seed before they die. Loose leaf, Cos and Batavian cultivars deal better with summer heat. Water regularly, grow in a moisture-retentive soil, mulch around plants and pick a part-shaded spot for summer crops. Plants that are starting to bolt can be braised or stir fried.

QWhy are lettuces turning yellow? A

If yellow blotches form on the leaves with a white furry growth underneath, the plants may have downy mildew. Catch it early and pick off infected leaves and you should still get a harvest, although sometimes you’ll have to dig up and compost plants. Look for mildewresistant cultivars, make sure plants aren’t crowded and water in the morning rather than evening.

QWhy is germination patchy? A

Germination can be erratic if it’s too hot or if seed packets are old, previously opened or stored poorly. Plus slugs may have eaten seedlings.

QA Why are my well-watered plants starting to wilt?

Root aphids feed on lettuce roots and cause plants to wilt even when the soil is moist. Dig them up and you’ll find a grey waxy coating over the roots. Keep plants stress-free to help them shake off infestations.

QHow do I protect salad leaves from slugs and snails?

A Plant out sturdy young modulegrown plants rather than sowing direct. Clear old leaves from the area. Use organic-approved slug pellets, water in nematodes once soil is warm and patrol with a torch at night, laying bait (eg grapefruit or melon skin) for easier collection. Red lettuce cultivars seem less affected.