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Newaygo, MI on Jul 03, 2012

My Garden in Michigan...First time growing Lettuce and probably my last....looks beautiful doesn't It?

Tastes so bitter I couldn't even eat it. My tomatoes are wonderful....Of course the salsa was made with store bought veggies as they are not ready here in Michigan yet, but still super yummy!!!

10 Comments

Dee W Rock Creek, OH

I'm sorry you weren't happy with your lettuce-but your tomatoes are coming along nicely. Are those what you will use to make more salsa or do you have another plant variety hiding somewhere?

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Ladena S Ava, MO

The lettuce may not be so bitter if you pick it when it is small. I know with mine the larger leaves are bitter. Your tomatoes look great!

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Is it possible that the lettuce variety you bought was not what you wanted. There are some pretty bitter lettuce products for sale. I wouldn't give up since you grew nice tomatoes. Just find another type of lettuce.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Laurie B Newaygo, MI

Thanks Dee, I know I was so bummed, I was so excited to grow it and see it coming along so nicely, Ladena, you could be right, seeing as how I had never grown it before, I was unsure as to when to cut it? Sherrie definately could be,,,as I said first time? But thanks for the positive comments, guess I need to definately do more looking into it next time., but the crazy thing is I also planted over 40 seeds of spinach and nothing ever came up and yes, I had it fenced. (smile) I do have a ...»
dozen or so different varieties of tomato plants as well, growing produce in Michigan is very hard, kind of like all or nothing. :)

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 1
Sherrie S Debary, FL

Laurie B, I'm starting to learn about plants. My biggest lesson: I don't know where the seeds really grow, I don't know why the big box stores sell plants that won't grow in my area. I now go to my local nursery and find they know my area very well & what they sell does grow here. I'm impressed with their knowledge and their plants.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 1
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

My lettuce is bitter also.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Donna Dixson Buford, GA

Poor soil can cause bitter lettuce. Heat causes premature bolting and bitterness. Some varieties are just plain bitter from the get go.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 1
Laurie B Newaygo, MI

Thanks Sherrie S., this was a local hometown store where I got the seeds for this lettuce, so I am thinking they should have all the knowledge they need for every way to grow it? I am beginning to think that poor soil is what probably caused it.
Thanks everyone for your ideas.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

I'd encourage you to try again with the lettuce, Laurie. People think of lettuce as some bland green but there are a lot of different flavors out there! If you like a delicate flavor, try black-seeded Simpson, and harvest the leaves early.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 3
Laurie B Newaygo, MI

I will....Thanks Douglas.

on Jul 06, 2012 · Like 0