Extending Lettuce Harvest: Outer Leaf Picking and Bolting Signs

Introduction

Picking outer leaves prolongs lettuce yield; bolting ends it.

Harvest Outer Leaves for Continuous Yield

Plant keeps producing from center.

Bolting: Central Shoot Makes Leaves Bitter

Tall central stalk with seed pods = bolting. Leaves turn tough/bitter.

Replace with Bush Beans or Fall Lettuce

Pull bolted plants, sow beans or fall lettuce.

Conclusion

Harvest outer leaves until bolting, then rotate crop.