Knowledge from Olle Garden Bed: Four Reasons For Lettuce Withering

Although gardening is an exciting and beneficial hobby because you must maintain the nursing procedures to keep plants happy and healthy, nothing is worse than checking your garden and finding something wrong. The withered lettuce is unattractive and worrying because it shows that there is something wrong in your garden bed.

So, how to determine the cause of lettuce wilt? In essence, this is a process of elimination. You need to consider how to treat plants, but also look for other signs and symptoms. Learn the four different reasons why lettuce may wither and what you can do to revive it.

Improper watering

It is well known that incorrect watering procedures will have a negative impact on plants, and so will lettuce. Too much or too little water will lead to withered leaves and poor growth.

Drought stress can be identified by withered leaves, no new growth and very dry soil. Over-watering often leads to moist soil, yellowing and withering of leaves, and rotting of roots. If the plant has root rot, you need to remove it from the ground and start again.

To prevent watering problems, please ensure that green leafy vegetables are in well-drained soil and covered with a 3-inch covering to maintain an appropriate water level. If you plant in containers, please use clay or pots with drain holes. Generally, water with 1 inch of water every week. Temperature and weather conditions will affect this, so please check every day. If the top soil is dry, only water it.

Severe weather conditions

Because lettuce is usually a cool weather crop, and likes temperatures between 32 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, overheating will have adverse effects, leading to withering. If the temperature reaches more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may wither, grow slowly, or plug up. Always try to plant green leafy vegetables in autumn, winter or spring, and avoid planting them in summer.

The strong wind will blow the lettuce head, causing the tissue at the soil line of the leaves to become soft and damaged. If necessary, transplant green leafy vegetables into containers and take them indoors or in greenhouses to ensure that they have a more comfortable temperature, no biting wind and controlled watering.

Pests and diseases

Always remember to thoroughly check your crops to see if they are affected by pests or diseases. Disease and insect pests are another cause of leaf blight.

Lettuce falling caused by fungal pathogens Sclerotinia minor and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can cause plant decay and death. Since fungi thrive in moist soil, please ensure that lettuce is not watered too much, and use well-drained soil when planting. Destroy infected plants and do not put them in compost piles. Then, replant green leafy vegetables, preferably in a new location with better soil.

Another thing to pay attention to is root nematode. They live in the soil and attack the root system of lettuce plants, resulting in slow growth and withering. You may also notice the discoloration of the leaves. Proper watering and fertilizing of lettuce can help plants resist the impact of root nematode, especially when fertilizing with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every two weeks.

Professional tips: crop rotation is a good way to prevent diseases and pests. It prevents them from constantly contacting specific plants. It also helps to increase yield and protect garden soil.

Incorrect storage

It is one thing that lettuce withers during growth, but once you harvest and store vegetables, you may also find unhappy leaves. First of all, green leafy vegetables belong to the refrigerator, not the counter. In addition, the fresh-keeping drawer is the best position because it maintains the ideal moisture content and ensures that the delicate leaves last longer. Make sure your vegetables are well ventilated in open or perforated containers or bags, and do not over-pack the fresh-keeping box drawer.

Although there are many fruits and vegetables you should not wash, such as strawberries and tomatoes, you can wash lettuce varieties, such as lettuce. Avoid washing spinach, kale and sesame until you are ready to eat them, because they are easier to wither. Storing green leafy vegetables with paper towels will absorb extra water and prevent them from withering.

Romaine calm!

Although your lettuce may wither, the reason does not mean that green leafy vegetables will die. In general, it is best to adjust your watering procedures, treat diseases and pests, and ensure that the temperature is not too hot. If it withers in the refrigerator, just put it in the fresh-keeping box and change your storage method!