Organic Lettuce

(Lollo Rossa)

Sowing Seed

Sow indoors using bean tin with holes punched in the base for drainage (or empty toilet/kitchen paper roll halved, a small yoghurt/plastic container or similar with holes punched in the bottom for drainage)
Fill with approx. 6cm deep compost
Place 3-5 seeds per container with no compost over them - seeds need light to germinate.
Gently water
Seedlings are ready to plant out when they have 4 or 5 leaves (leave a few days after 4-5 leaves have grown before transplanting them)

Transplanting (Moving to different location for optimum growing)

Ensure soil is moist before transferring
Best planted in average to rich (fertile) soil
Lettuce is ideal to plant anywhere that you have space between other plants, just as long as they are in partial sunshine approx. 20cm apart from other plants
Make approx. 5cm wide hole and plant the seedlings well down in the soil with the seed leaves just above the soil level, firm soil gently around plant.
Ensure soil around plant is kept weed free and ensure they are kept moist.
Water them a lot if weather is hot to prevent plant bolting (the plant sends up a flower stalk and becomes inedible)
To encourage growth and deter pests, feed every 3 - 4 weeks with organic fertiliser (e.g. dried seaweed fertiliser, sachets available on sow.ie)

Growing Time:

Harvest:

Ensure lettuce is watered well the week before harvest
Harvest as soon as lettuce leaves are fully formed - simply removing outer leaves and letting the plant continue to grow

Tip: Harvest early in the morning for optimum freshness