When to plant lettuce for a year-round harvest

Successive sowings can provide salad leaves for much of the year. Combine suitable varieties of lettuce, endive and lamb's lettuce, each with its own growing season. Year-round harvesting depends on your climate and any protection you can provide.

Sow and plant in stages

Sow small batches at intervals so they do not all mature together. Choose varieties suited to spring, summer or winter and check the seed packet. The Permapotes sowing calendar can help with planning. Winter crops usually need to be established well before winter, when cold and short days slow growth.

Prepare the soil and planting space

Make a fine seedbed and keep it moist without waterlogging it. A sunny position suits cooler conditions; some shade can help in hot summer weather. Spacing depends on whether you want full heads or young cutting leaves.

Plant young lettuces with the growing point above the soil. Firm gently around the root ball and water in. Follow the recommended sowing depth and thin seedlings when needed. A fixed six-week harvest date does not apply to every variety or season.

Care until harvest

Check moisture regularly rather than watering on a fixed weekly schedule. Young plants and containers dry out faster. Mulch can reduce drying, but keep the plant's centre clear and look for slugs.

Combine bought plants with your own sowings for different harvest dates. Nearby vegetables do not automatically prevent pest damage. Check the leaves and harvest before plants bolt.