One Hundred Dollars a Month

I have the most amazing readers, and most of the time, it is me learning from you, but every once in awhile, someone sends in a question that I think, “Hey, I bet lots of people would love to know the answer to that.”  So, I am going to try to feature some of your questions and answer them, the best I can.

Cheryl writes:

I have a question, you said the broccoli raab has bolted, how can you tell if something has bolted and why does it happen?

First of all, in case you don’t know, bolting is when your plant rapidly turns from leafy to mostly flower and seed.  {Whenever I hear the term bolt, I have to try to resist the urge to picture it lifting up its roots and running for a different yard, where it might be happier.}

Typically, plants will bolt due to hot weather.  When the temperature of the soil gets above a temperature where the plant is happy, it bolts.  Think of it as a survival mechanism for the plant.  The plant gets nervous that it won’t have time to produce another generation, so it quickly goes to seed.  Also, remember, hot weather to us, is different than each plants definition.  Cool weather crops can bolt long before the dead heat of summer.

Once a plant has completely bolted, it is inedible–not because it is harmful, but because the process causes the plant to taste like barf.  If you happen to notice your plant going to seed in the early stages, you can occasionally slow down the process.  Trim back the flowers and flower buds {this is particularly effective for plants like basil}.  Other plants, such as lettuce and broccoli, may still taste bitter, despite your best efforts.

Bolting is a sign of the beginning of the end for the life cycle of that plant.  Each plant prefers a certain season.  If you make sure to plan your garden by season, you should be able to get a great crop out of your plant before it bolts.

Cheryl, I hope this answered your question–and keep ’em coming.

Happy Gardening,

Mavis