Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
SALAD GREENS ARE GOOD COMMUNICATORS — they “bolt” towards the sky and send forth a flower stalk when their time is over. Consequently, if you want a lengthy season of greens (including spinach, pictured up top), you have to make successive sowings throughout the summer months:
To reduce the stress of summer heat, which hastens bolting, re-sow plants where some shade is possible. In my own kitchen garden, I take advantage of the open patch beneath my tee-pee tomato trellis. As the tomato vines grow, they filter the light that reaches the newly planted romaine, escarole, frissee and spinach. You might have tall growers like broccoli, Brussels Sprouts or kale that you can plant your greens between or behind.
Or, make plantings in boxes or small tubs that can be easily moved to shady quarters. A friend grows all kinds of salad mixtures in plastic window boxes that she keeps beneath her covered back porch. The boxes are set on a 4-foot tall bench, out of the reach of rabbits who would otherwise devour the produce.
In any event, please re-sow your bitter-tasting, bolted greens. Having a fresh, continuous supply of salad in your garden will reduce the gas and oil you consume by driving several times a week to the supermarket.
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Gardenlady says
Kevin, like your friend, I grow my arugula, spinach and bok choy (choi?)in planters right outside my back door. Very convenient!
Spinach for me has always been the first to bolt, but this year I selected a heat-tolerant variety. So far no flower stalk in sight.
Eric says
Thanks for the reminder to replant! My romaine's ok, but my frizzy frisee has bolted. Didn't plant any spinach in spring, but might now. Any spinach variety you recommend?