June Update: What are you growing in 2006? Tips here for Fruit, Veggies and Flowers!

Kazonline

Please help!
I think my lettuce may have a bit of an identity crisis:eek:
They seem to think that they are related to ET..... All seemed well until begining of this week when they started to grow tall instead of continuing to fill out. They now have long 'necks' (don't know how else to describe it). Is this normal???? I'm sure it isn't.....
Can anyone advise me please? I'd also like to try and post a photo of them for you all to have a giggle - can anyone advise me of the easiest way to do this please? I'm sure I've read how to do it before, but can't remember where.
Thanks,
Kaz x

Debt_Free_Chick

Kazonline wrote:

Please help!
I think my lettuce may have a bit of an identity crisis:eek:
They seem to think that they are related to ET..... All seemed well until begining of this week when they started to grow tall instead of continuing to fill out. They now have long 'necks' (don't know how else to describe it). Is this normal???? I'm sure it isn't.....

Sounds like they've bolted and they are about to go to seed. Get 'em out and eat 'em pronto, as the leaves will go bitter and woody.

With lettuce, you need to sow a little and often to give you a steady supply throughout the summer. Sow another half row this weekend, and then another in 2 weeks' time.

pickledtink

sarahmelita wrote:

I've just noticed what I now know to be aphids (hurrah for the internet!) on my basil and chives in my windowbox. :mad:

How do I get rid of them? I don't want to use any pesticides really as I want to eat the herbs.

Any ideas are appreciated!

Make up a soap spray. DON'T use detergent though. Use liquid soap like you get in those hand wash things.

It's important to get the measurements right.
I tablespoon of soap to a pint of water . Mix up and put in one of those spray bottles you can buy. It disrupts their cell membranes and kills them by dehydration.
Won't harm your herbs or you when you eat them!

Josiegirl

I agree with Debt Free Chick, Kaz they are bolting to seed. This will happen when they have too much sun or heat in the summer. Try growing them in part shade during the warmer months.

pickledtink

Kazonline wrote:

Please help!
I think my lettuce may have a bit of an identity crisis:eek:
They seem to think that they are related to ET..... All seemed well until begining of this week when they started to grow tall instead of continuing to fill out. They now have long 'necks' (don't know how else to describe it). Is this normal???? I'm sure it isn't.....
Can anyone advise me please? I'd also like to try and post a photo of them for you all to have a giggle - can anyone advise me of the easiest way to do this please? I'm sure I've read how to do it before, but can't remember where.
Thanks,
Kaz x

As well as sowing at intervals so you use them fairly quickly the secret is water, water,water. They bolt much more quickly if the soil gets too dry. Watering daily will keep them growing bigger but when the soil gets too dry the plant rushes to produce seed as it thinks its days are numbered.

*Lettuce thinks?!? I'm spending too much time out in the garden......*

Josiegirl

Of course they think Pickled, and they hear too, so we have to be careful what we say when out in the garden planning tonight's dinner. Hmmm Kaz, what have you been saying in front of your lettuces? :rotfl:

BTW I love your username Pickled, makes me think of tinkerbell on the sauce:eek:

LizD_2

I think the squirrel has been having a go at the strawberries. Any ideas for a HM cage to protect them? He will chew through net and thin wire, as proved by the bird feeder.

pickledtink

BTW I love your username Pickled, makes me think of tinkerbell on the sauce

A drunken fairy? Yup. That's me. If 2 glasses of red a day is good for you 4 must be even better.

pickledtink

Bean experts. HEEELP!
My french climbers were doing fine. Whipping up the canes looking healthy. Suddenly they appear to have stopped growing and the bottom sets of leaves don't look good.
I'm wondering if it's overwatering ( possible)
Wrong mix when I did a foliar feed so leaf burn maybe. Only that would affect them all wouldn't it?
Or the dreaded Halo blight. I've never seen a picture of it so don't know what it looks like.
Any ideas anyone?

Lulubells

Well I am so disappointed I could cry, most of my brassica's - inc all cabbages and cauliflower have ben eaten alive. There doesn't appear to be any insects or snail/slug trails? what could have caused so much damage ? and will they recover if I cover them ?

Advice appreciated - sob sob

Lulubells