How to sow lamb's lettuce in the vegetable garden?

Lamb's lettuce is a compact leafy crop for autumn and winter harvesting. Choose a variety suitable for your sowing season and expected cold. The small rosettes need little space, but successful germination still depends on the conditions.

When to sow

Many varieties are sown from late summer into autumn. Exact dates and time to harvest depend on variety, climate and temperature. An early sowing grows faster than a late crop entering winter, so follow the seed packet rather than a fixed harvest date.

Prepare moisture-retentive, well-drained soil with a fine surface. Firm the seedbed lightly so seeds have good contact with the soil. Firming is not ploughing or adding anything to the soil.

Rows or broadcast sowing

Make shallow drills about 20 to 25 cm apart, following the variety's recommended depth. Sow thinly, cover with fine soil and firm gently. Water with a fine rose so the seeds are not washed away.

Broadcast sowing is another option, although weeding between seedlings is harder. Avoid overcrowding. You can also raise plants in modules if this suits your plan.

During and after germination

Keep the seedbed moist and prevent it drying in warm weather. A temporary cover can help, but remove opaque material as soon as seedlings emerge. Germination time varies with conditions.

Autumn rain may supply much of the water, but check the soil, especially under cover. Avoid waterlogging. Horticultural fleece can offer protection, provided plants do not remain wet and poorly ventilated.

To save seed, let a few healthy plants flower and wait until the seeds are ripe and dry before collecting them.