Tasman
November
Q.
Hi Tui, my vegetables are going to seed very quickly which implies that my soil may be too rich. How do I remedy this please ?
PaulMax
A.
Hi Paul, this is called 'bolting', plants go to seed for various reasons. One of the main reasons is sudden change in temperatures from hot to cold or excessive heat, plants think it is time to reproduce and so go to seed. Other reasons are planting seedlings that have been in the punnet or pot for too long and are root bound when they are planted out. Not planting seasonally appropriate varieties, for example planting winter lettuce in summer. Irregular watering and water stress can cause bolting, especially if plants have dried out over a period of time, and, change in day length can cause plants to bolt.
Make sure your seedlings are not held too long before planting so that they don't become root bound. Plant seasonally appropriate varieties, ensure plants are regularly watered during the growing season and regularly fed to keep them actively growing. A product you could consider to help retain soil moisture in your vegetable patch is Debco Saturaid, it helps channel water to the roots and retains soil moisture. It is a bit difficult to do anything about the season and temperature change, make sure the varieties being grown are appropriate for the season. The Tui Team.
Post a comment
My vegetables are going to seed quickly, why is this? Comments
Why are my vege plants going to seed? I water and feed, do not let them dry out, have tried doing my own seeds plus buying plants, but get the same result.
Betty Stewart
Hi Betty, plants bolt or go to seed for various reasons, it could be the soil they are growing in, always add extra organic compost when planting new crops. Make sure the seedlings are not root bound or held in their container for too long before planting out. Sudden changes in temperature are also a factor, when plants are stressed it is a signal for the plant to reproduce itself and so they go to seed. Make sure the seed being grown is appropriate for the season, that is, don't try growing crops that enjoy cooler conditions in summer and vice versa. Even though you are watering regularly, it is important that the soil retains moisture, add plenty of organic matter and also consider adding Debco Saturaid at the time of planting to help retain soil moisture. When replanting crops always add more fertiliser at the time of planting, it could be sheep pellets, Blood and Bone or Tui Vegetable Food to replenish the nutrients. Make sure the vegetable garden gets at least 6 hours of sunshine a day to get the best from your vegetables.