Product Bio

Starting

Direct sow or start indoors and transplant. Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, or on the surface of the soil where the soil can be kept evenly moist.. Space or thin heading lettuce to 30cm (12?) apart. Space or thin looseleaf varieties to 20-25cm (8-10?) apart. Space rows for all types 45-90cm (18-36?) apart. Babyleaf lettuce can be planted quite densely, as it is harvested at an immature size. Sowing baby leaf lettuce seeds closely together in narrow rows makes harvesting simpler. Note on Pelleted Seeds: A number of our lettuce seeds are pelleted for machine planting. The clay ball that covers each seed makes them easier to handle and easier to see when planted. While most lettuce seeds need to be barely covered (or sown on the surface of the soil), pelleted seeds need to be buried by about 1cm (1/2?). Please keep your newly sown pelleted seeds evenly moist – use more water than with conventional seeds. If the soil is allowed to dry out, the clay pelleting material can wick water away from the seed, causing uneven or lower germination.

Growing

Ideal ph: 6.0-6.5. Aim for a soil with ample drainage and lots of organic matter. Add compost and lime at least 3 weeks before planting. 1 cup of complete organic fertiliser per 3m (10?) of row will give adequate nutrition. Seedlings should be hardened off by reducing water and putting the plants outdoors 2 or 3 days before transplanting. This will help to prevent transplant shock and premature bolting. Regular watering is essential to prevent leaves from getting bitter. Most varieties will be ready for harvesting as baby leaves in half the days shown on the packet.

Harvest

Pick individual leaves or wait and harvest full heads. Summer lettuce stays in prime eating condition only a short time, so harvest promptly and keep planting. In fall and winter, the plants stay in good eating condition longer.