Lesson 1: Sowing the Seeds

Time to Sow
Lettuces need plenty of sunlight but can "bolt" (go to seed) if they get too much, so a partially shaded area is best. Dig the plot over thoroughly, get rid of stones and mix in well-rotted manure or compost to help water-retention and bolster nutrients. Rake the soil to create a fine tilth (surface soil that's ready to plant). Use your hoe to form a channel, or "drill", 1cm-1.5cm deep. Mark the course of your drill beforehand with garden twine and stakes to avoid wobbly rows of lettuces. Thinly sow (10-12 seeds over 30cm) the drill, cover with fine soil. Firm, label and water. Space rows 30cm apart. Don't plant all your lettuce seeds at once. Save some for later. There's more about this in later modules.

Container Crop
Loose-leaf lettuce is an ideal crop to try in containers. Use soil-based John Innes No 2 compost or multipurpose soilless compost and sow at the same depth as for sowing in a conventional bed. Sow groups of seeds around 5cm-10cm apart. You'll thin the seedlings out later. Don't be stingy with your container size. You need one that's at least 45cm wide and 45cm deep.

Try These
"Salad Bowl" is a reliable loose-leaf lettuce. "Lollo Rossa" is another steady loose-leaf variety. The reddish, frilled leaves are attractive as well as tasty. "Lobjoit's Green" is a proven performer among the Cos lettuces. "Little Gem" is a fast-maturing Cos variety. Another strategy is to buy a packet of assorted loose-leaf seeds. That way, you'll be harvesting ready-mixed green salad come the summer.

Pic: GAP Photos/Friedrich Strauss