Lettuce is one of the easiest plants to grow in British gardens, but in the height of summer it is important to keep it cool if you want it to keep growing. In hot weather, lettuce can become stressed and respond by bolting, which is when the plant begins producing flowers instead of leaves so it can spread its seeds. 

Bolting will cause lettuce leaves to become bitter, tough and much smaller so there is no point harvesting it. However, Kevin Alexander,  a gardening expert from Farm Fresh Choice, has shared there is a easy way to protect lettuce and help it grow the tastiest leaves is to mulch it properly. 

Kevin said: “A layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, reducing plant heat stress. This added insulation can make a big difference when temperatures begin to rise.” 

Lettuce will not bolt as long as its soil is cool and moist, which is why it is incredibly important to mulch if you have not done so already. 

Mulching is a simple gardening technique of covering the top layer of soil around a plant in a organic material to protect plants as well as feed them. 

However, mulching can also keep plants watered for longer in summer as certain materials like straw or shredded leaves can hold a lot of moisture which will slowly drip into the soil over time. 

Using mulch regulates the temperature of lettuce and keeps it watered so it will grow the best leaves possible without you having to fuss over the plant all summer. 

All you need to do is choose a mulch that is light and breathable so you do not smoother your drops, then apply a thin layer around your lettuce. 

Keep mulch away from the stem to allow air to reach the plant and avoid too much water gathering at the base of the plant. 

Check the mulch every week and cover it again if ti begins to get thin and your lettuce should stay healthy and hydrated throughout summer. 

However, you can also help lettuce by placing it in shade when the temperture rises to keep it cool and you can also feed it any leftover grass clipping as long as you do not use any chemicals on your lawn. 

Nitrogen is the nutrient that helps plant grow larger foliage, and feeding it to lettuce will cause it to focus on producing bigger leaves rather than flowers. 

Kevin said: “A light, nitrogen-rich fertilizer will encourage leafy growth rather than flowers. Avoid heavy fertilizing once the plants are mature, as this can accelerate their life cycle. “