Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular leafy vegetable that has been cultivated for centuries for its refreshing, crisp leaves. It is believed to have originated in Egypt thousands of years ago and was later spread by the Greeks and Romans throughout the Mediterranean region. Lettuce eventually found its way to other parts of the world, becoming a staple in many cuisines.
There are four main types of lettuce: loose-leaf, butterhead, crisphead (iceberg), and romaine (cos). These varieties differ in shape, taste, and texture, but all share a common characteristic of being cool, mild-flavored, and typically high in water content. Lettuce is an excellent source of vitamins A and K, with smaller amounts of other essential nutrients.
Lettuce is extremely versatile in the culinary world and can be used in everything from salads to sandwiches, wraps, and even as a low-carb alternative to taco shells or hamburger buns. It pairs well with a variety of dressings, proteins, fruits, and nuts, making it perfect for creating diverse and delicious dishes.
To grow lettuce in your garden, plant seeds or transplants in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable and grows best in spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist and watch out for pests like slugs, which enjoy feasting on tender lettuce leaves.
This is advice is most applicable to growers in the UK, you may need to adjust the timings if you live somewhere with a different climate and/or seasons.
| Month | Tasks | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| January | sow, | Sow lettuce seeds indoors in trays or small pots for transplanting later. |
| February | sow, | Continue sowing lettuce seeds indoors for an early harvest. |
| March | sow, plant out, | Begin sowing lettuce seeds outdoors and transplant indoor-grown seedlings when they're large enough to handle. |
| April | sow, plant out, | Continue sowing lettuce seeds outdoors and planting out seedlings for a continuous harvest. |
| May | sow, plant out, harvest, | Sow, plant out, and begin harvesting lettuce as it becomes ready. Harvest leaves gradually to encourage regrowth. |
| June | harvest, | Harvest lettuce regularly, taking care not to damage the roots or remaining leaves. |
| July | harvest, | Continue harvesting lettuce, picking outer leaves first to encourage new growth. |
| August | sow, harvest, | Sow lettuce seeds for a late-season harvest and continue harvesting mature plants. Water regularly during dry spells. |
| September | harvest, | Harvest remaining lettuce plants before they bolt (flower and set seed) or temperatures drop. |
| October | - | - |
| November | - | - |
| December | - | - |
