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June is the peak season for lettuce, offering gardeners an abundance of fresh, crisp leaves. Proper harvesting ensures you enjoy the best flavor and extends the life of your crop. Here are essential tips to make the most of your June lettuce harvest.
Timing Your Lettuce Harvest
Harvest your lettuce in the early morning when temperatures are cooler and the leaves are at their freshest. Lettuce is most tender and flavorful before the heat of midday. Use your fingers or scissors to pick outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
How to Harvest Lettuce
- Identify mature leaves that are firm and vibrant in color.
- Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to cut leaves at the base.
- For head lettuce, cut the entire head at the base when it feels firm and full.
- Leave about an inch of stem to encourage regrowth.
Post-Harvest Handling
After harvesting, rinse lettuce gently in cool water to remove dirt and insects. Spin dry or pat with a clean towel. Store in a perforated plastic bag or container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Proper storage can keep lettuce fresh for up to a week.
Extending Your Harvest
To prolong the harvest season, succession plant lettuce every two weeks. This ensures a continuous supply throughout June and into the summer. Consider shading your plants during the hottest parts of the day to prevent bolting and bitterness.
Additional Tips for Success
- Maintain consistent watering to keep leaves crisp and prevent stress.
- Apply mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Monitor for pests like aphids and slugs, and take action promptly.
- Rotate your planting locations yearly to reduce disease risk.
With these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful and flavorful lettuce harvest all June long. Happy gardening!