The First Lettuce Of The Season

Discussion in 'Fruit and Veg Gardening' started by Sjoerd, May 28, 2010.

  1. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    It isn't a big posting today...but I was so delighted with my first harvestable thing for this new season that I wanted to let you guys see it too.
    It is the butterleaf lettuce grown in the greenhouse.
    It was clean and bug-free. I like the first ones of the season the best. I have other ones planted outside and I expect them to do ok, but they are always dirtier with splash-up soil from the rain and a slug /snail or two always creep in, making holes in the leaves. Aphids like them as well.
    It's no big deal, but I do have to be extra careful when I clean them.
    This one was huge in size and has supplied leaves for salads and sandwiches. There is still some in the crisper for salads again this evening.
     
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  3. daisybeans

    daisybeans Hardy Maple

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    That looks tasty and beautiful at the same time. The colors and the textures... nature is some artist.
     
  4. KK Ng

    KK Ng Hardy Maple

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    How I wish I can plant veggies like that in this climate.
     
  5. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    WOW what a beauty. It's almost a shame to eat it it's so beautiful. Bet it tastes great!! :D
     



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  6. bunkie

    bunkie Young Pine

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    YUM sjoerd! looks beautiful! we've been eating a Mesculin mix from the greenhouse...am waiting for the Romaine to head. going to try some butterleaf this year too. nothing like the taste of homegrown lettuce!
     
  7. EJ

    EJ Allotmenteer Extraordinaire

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    Delish Sjoerd. I know what you mean about outdoor grown salads, I frequently find a slug in my greens. eek. That sure does look buttery and clean. Those first harvests are just the best aren't they. Have enjoyed my first strawberry, and radish, and am looking forward to my first new potatoes soon.
     
  8. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    DAISY-- I am glad that you liked seeing this first lettuce. It is one of Mother Nature's masterpieces for sure!

    It is a shame that yoiur climate is so hot, KK. I wonder if there isn't a species that will do well there.

    EILEEN--It truly IS a shame to have eate that head of lettuce. But it was soooo delish.

    You are right, BUNKIE-- There's nothing like it. You have been eating harvestes too already. Great. I hope you find and enjoy the butterleaf. It's head is not as tight and compact as say, iceberg...nor is the flavour the same.

    EJ-- So you have experience with slugs too eh? They are such an annoyance. I shall be trying a new slug trap this year if the weather ever warms up enough for them to come out.
    I saw your posts about your first harvests. So neat. When do you expect to harvest your first spuds of the season? Mine are barely above ground...the ground's too cold yet. Which ones will you harvest first?
     
  9. Growingpains

    Growingpains Young Pine

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    Sjoerd, that is an awesome lettuce. I thought it was a Bibb lettuce,but I stand corrected.
    We have several types this year. I set out 4 Romaine and am waiting for them to head. I haven't tried them before.
     
  10. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    Thanks GP-- That lettuce was delicious and I have a few more, including some icebergs.

    I hope that your Romaines do well for you. Be sure and post some pics when they are harvestable. Those types always look so good in a garden.
     
  11. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Oh Sjoerd you are such a tease! That looks Deeeelicious!!!!
     
  12. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    Oh Netty...it wuz, it wuz!!
     
  13. EJ

    EJ Allotmenteer Extraordinaire

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    I could probably dig up some little new tats tomorrow from International Kidney as they have been in for long enough to produce, but we have had it so dry, I am not going to dig any for at least another couple of weeks. By the look of the weather map, we will be getting a good downpour on Sunday and Monday which should help swell the spuds.
     
  14. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    ARRRGGGGGGHH! I am GREEEEEN with envy! :D
     

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