Garlic and Gooseberries: Bolting

Browsing in a small bookstore recently, I came across this treasure: Vegetable Gardening in the Northeast by Marie Iannotti.

Even in today’s world where it seems every question can be answered by a Google search, there is something very comforting about holding a book of instructions in my hands. It feels like everything I need, including answers to the questions I don’t know to ask, are right here between its covers. It is here that I confirmed what one of my friends suggested in the blog comments: it really was too warm to plant spinach at the end of June, which explains why none is growing. But the author also says to just hold onto those seeds and plant again towards the end of summer for a fall harvest in cooler weather. A second chance.

I have also been learning about BOLTING in the last week or so. When plants feel stressed, because the weather is too warm or the days are too long, they make a break for it, a sprint to the finish. “The seasons are changing! Quick! Save yourself!”

They shoot into reproductive mode, sending up tall stalks and putting their energy into making seeds. The leaves get bitter and will soon die off.

I can relate to this reaction in plants: I feel like bolting when under stress too, and let’s face it, I probably get a little bitter too!

With plants we need to snip off those runaway stalks quickly, give them lots of water and trick the plants into producing tender new leaves to extend the harvest season.

I have been trying to learn those kinds of tricks to keep myself from bolting under stress, but there is no handy book of instructions. Without a friendly gardener to do it for me, I am learning how to take better care of myself, and when running away really isn’t an option, a walk to the garden can definitely help.