Lettuce

Lettuce is a very popular and easy plant for gardeners to grow. It is for this reason that Gardeners tend to be disappointed with the results they get, they think that with it being so easy a plant, that they do not need to be looked after. This is completely wrong. Pests and diseases take their toll and the few survivors that are left usually all come ready at the same time. The unused plants go to seed and get wasted. The secret in having a good crop is to sow little and often and to mix the different varieties. This way you can have lettuce ready for picking most of the year.

Lettuce needs a moisture retentive soil that is well drained rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5. It is best to plant in an area that has been manured for a previous crop. If the soil is too rich it tends to make the leaves tough and has a tendency to cause root rots. If possible plant them out in semi-shade, as they do not like to get too hot. Lettuce is most often planted as a catch crop in-between rows of maincrop vegetables. If this is the case, the soil should be prepared to suit for the maincrop's needs.

Sow the first seeds in trays of compost in a heated propagator at 60F in January. As soon as they are large enough to handle, transplant into a seed tray 2" apart or into 3" cell trays. Grow on at a temperature of 50F. When the seedlings are about 2" -2½" tall, transplant into a coldframe or under cloches leaving 6" each way between the plants. As you transplant, sow a few more seeds thinly in a drill, under the cloche to follow on. When these have germinated, transplant a few to an outside bed, thin the seedlings left and leave the cloche in place.

From now on sow a few seeds in a seedbed every two weeks to give a continuity of crop. Thin them to leave 9" between each plant. The final sowing can be made around early autumn but you may need to cover them with cloches to protect them.

Keep the plants free of weeds and ensure that they get plenty of water.

Lettuce can be affected by Millipedes, Cutworms, Downy Mildew, neck rot, white rot and rust. (See relevant Pests or Diseases sections)

© copyright 1999, P. A. Owen