did you know?

Lettuce was probably first cultivated around 4500 B.C. by the ancient Egyptians, who grew it not for its leaves but for the edible oil in its seeds; it was later introduced to Britain by the Romans. Lettuce now comes in four basic types: looseleaf; butterhead, or bibb; romaine, or cos; and crisphead.

general maintenance:

Mulch to keep soil cool and moist and slow tendency to bolt. If plants become crowded, thin to promote air circulation. Cultivate soil to reduce weeds and provide aeration.

pests/diseases:

Slugs, snails, aphids, and cutworms may occur.

controls:

Avoid watering in evening, which attracts slugs and snails. For slugs, spread diatomaceous earth around plants, or set out shallow dishes filled with beer. Hose off aphids and cutworms in the morning.

how to sow/plant:

In early spring, direct sow in soil amended with well-rotted manure or compost; sow 4 inches apart in 15- to 18-inch rows, covering seeds lightly. Or start seeds indoors 3?4 weeks before hardening off and transplanting. Water upon planting. To extend harvest, re-sow small rows every 10 days in soil cooler than 75°F; resume when temperature drops in late summer.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil evenly moist to encourage rapid growth. Feed every 3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

garden hint:

The keys to producing the best-tasting lettuce are cool weather, an even supply of water, and a little shade in summer. Harvesting only the outside leaves will encourage greater, more regular growth than cutting the whole plant and waiting for it to regrow.

features:

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible

combine with:

anise chives dill nasturtium parsley and other culinary herbs. In hot weather, plant lettuce in the shade of other vegetables, such as tomatoes, to shield them from midday sun.