Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

As an observation, whenever I cut leaf vegetables from my grow bed (eg: lettuce, basil or silver beet) within about 10 mins after the leaves are cut they start to shrivel and go limp. I have never experienced this will "traditionally" farmed vegetables. Has anyone else experienced this - or does anyone have any thoughts on why this occurs?

is this just the cut leaves or the whole plant?

Just the cut leaves. The plans are going great.

wierd I cut mine give em a wash and put em in a covered plastic bowl in the fridge they stay crisp for over a week at least.

I have at times also experienced this Marcus. I suspect the plants are so used to having all that water, that when taken away they are not happy. I pulled a couple of whole lettuce out on Saturday. Within a matter of minutes it was limp. I bunged it in a glass of water in the kitchen and soon after it was upright again. Is sitting there still now looking very healthy.

That makes sense VB, more so since I have been running a continuous flow system for the past month (ie: they are constantly in water)......Will try your tip! Thanks

What time of day are you harvesting them?

Good point Axl...very early morning harvesting is always best for leafy greens Marcus...not just wilt issues, but nutritional benefit too.

it truth........... try not ta harvest in full sun at the plants will have less water in them as axl and Jez said, i allso agree that harvesting in the early morning the plants will have more nutrients in them as well