Lettuce can take about 12-14 weeks from sowing to maturity

With prudent sowings, and the use of various varieties, lettuce can be available for a large part of the year.

Lettuce is a shallow rooted plant, meaning it will require regular watering, otherwise it will bolt or turn bitter.

Week 1; Check plants growing under cover for grey mould (botrytis) or slug damage.

Week 11; To get an early spring crop, sow seeds in 75mm (3") pots or ¼ trays filled with of potting compost to grow on undercover as shown here;

Prepared tray	Seeds sown	Seeds covered	Watered	Germination	Pricked out

n.b. Temperatures need to be considered when sowing, too warm temperatures 21°C+(70°F+) can inhibit germination, and seeds can sit dormant or germinate erratically.

Germination should take about a week

Week 13; Thin out weakest seedlings to leave one and place in a frost free cold frame.

Week 18; If conditions allow, plant out 300mm (12") apart in rows 400mm (16") apart.

Note; avoid firming in too vigorously.

Sow seed insitu if soil conditions allow.

Lettuce will grow in most soil types, adding organic matter a few weeks prior to planting helps to retain moisture, a shortage of which can encourage premature bolting.

Planting out in light shade will also help.

Rake in a topdressing of a general fertiliser at 100gms (4oz) per sq metre prior when planting out.

Week 20; Make successional sowings every two to three weeks to prolong the growing season.

Note; store lettuce seed in the fridge between sowings.

Water plants regularly in hot weather.

In hot, dry summers sowing may pose germination problems when sown in situ.

Try sowing in modular trays and transplant the plugs when two or three true leaves develop.

Week 37; Sow a pinch of seeds of a winter variety in 75mm (3") pots of proprietary potting compost.

Germination should take about one week to ten days.

Week 40; Thin out weakest seedlings to leave one and place in a cold frame.

Week 42; Plant out seedlings into their final positions in greenhouse border, frames or under cloches.

Soil should be well-drained and given a light dressing of a balanced, general fertiliser at a rate of about 90/120gm (3-4oz) per sq m to get plants established before winter.