These crops require a uniform supply of water for tender growth. Frequent irrigations are preferred because these crops are shallow rooted. A total of 8-12 inches of water may be necessary depending on crop, seasonal variation, planting date, and variety. Soil type does not affect the amount of total water needed, but does dictate frequency of water application. Lighter soils need more frequent water applications, but less water applied per application.
Harvest is usually by hand and the greens are packed into cartons in the field.
Keep the leafy items clean, free of soil and mud. Ideally these crops have a spicy and mildly bitter taste. A strong bitter taste, and toughness, develops if harvest is delayed or if crop is over-mature, and then the product become unmarketable. Specialty leaf lettuces, endive, and other greens for bag mixes have usually been harvested by hand, but harvesters for this use are now available. A picture of the machine can be seen in Johnny's Select Seeds 1998 catalogue, page 87.