Sow lettuce seed for a Summer-Autumn crop

Lettuce is in peak condition during a short period of time, and can start to run to seed after a week. If you want to produce lettuce to harvest over a continuous period then either use a mixed package of seeds which mature at different intervals or stagger your sowing with a row or partial row every two weeks.

For an early summer crop, you can grow under glass as early as Feburary and transplant out in March. For this method sow 2 seeds in a small biodegradable pot (as lettuce dislikes having its roots disturbed). Once the seedlings emerge remove the smaller, weaker one. Harden off before transplanting out 30 cm (12in) apart. Protect seedlings under glass cloches.

Or you can sow lettuce seed straight into the bed itself from March. Sow seed thinly at 1.5 cm (1/2 in) deep in rows which are 30 cm (12in) apart.

Thin out the new seedlings as they emerge to avoid overcrowding. Water the day before any thinning, and repeat the process until plants are spaced 30 cm (12in) apart.

Lettuce is ready to harvest about 8 weeks after sowing and as soon as a firm heart is formed. If it starts to 'bolt' with the heart growing upwards, harvest immediately or throw away.