Direct sow salad leaves outdoors in summer or in an unheated greenhouse during the autumn and winter months. Grow salad leaves in well prepared, fertile, moist soil in sun or semi shade. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in drills 38cm (15") apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 10cm (4") apart for baby leaves or to 30cm (12") for mature plants.
Water lettuce frequently and hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing. Dry weather may cause heads of lettuce plants to bolt so watering is particularly critical during the 2 weeks before harvesting. A thick mulch applied around the plants will help to retain moisture in the soil. Harvest lettuce when required by pulling up the entire plant before trimming off the stem with a knife.
 
                         
         
             
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
   
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
   
    
    
      
      
        
      
      
        
        
          
        
        
 
      
    
  