reece johnston, balclutha

Growing lettuce in May is unusual – but growing lettuce in May, in South Otago, after five frosts in a row, is something worth investigating. 

Balclutha truck driver and biological farming enthusiast Reece Johnston is eating salad in late autumn thanks to giving his home vegetable garden the Total Replacement Therapy treatment. 

Reece balanced his soil using the Albrecht/Kinsey Soils Program, and added the standard Total Replacement Therapy treatment, which includes biological soil conditioner Terragen Great Land.A tough season meant Reece didn’t get his veges in the ground until January 20, but the cold weather has been no match for the health of the soil.

“The worms and soil are unbelievable,” Reece says. “The dirt is frozen, but only on the top; the increased biology in the soil means it is a few degrees warmer than usual beneath the surface.

“These lettuces were hit with five frosts in a row, two of which were -4°C, but they are showing no ill effects yet!”

Reece intends to send a sample of his lettuce to Hill Laboratories for herbage testing, alongside a sample of lettuce from his local supermarket, to compare nutrient values.

Watch this space!