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: 

• Approx. 2 months

 

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