Lettuce

To sow head lettuce successfully under cover, choose a shallow container and fill it with quality potting soil. Sow the seeds on the surface of the substrate, spacing them a few centimetres apart, then cover them lightly with potting soil. Water gently to maintain moisture, without drowning the seeds.

Place the container in a bright place, but without direct sunlight. Be sure to maintain a constant temperature of around 15-20°C to encourage the seeds to germinate. Regularly monitor the humidity of the substrate and water as required, always avoiding excess water which could cause the seedlings to rot.

Once the seedlings have a few leaves, you can transplant them into the ground or into individual pots to let them develop. Remember to protect them from slugs and snails, which could make a feast of them. By following these simple tips, you'll soon be able to harvest delicious, fresh and nutritious head lettuces.

To sow head lettuce seeds outdoors, spring is generally the best season. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before sowing, loosen the soil by spading and removing weeds.

Create shallow furrows about 30 cm apart and sow the seeds spaced about 2-3 cm apart. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and tamp gently. Water regularly but lightly to keep the soil moist.

Be careful not to sow the seeds too deeply, as this could compromise their germination. Also keep an eye out for potential pests such as slugs and snails, which can damage young lettuce plants. Finally, be patient and wait for the plants to reach a sufficient size before you start harvesting them. Follow these simple tips for successful outdoor head lettuce sowing.

To grow head lettuce, it's important to choose a sunny, well-drained location. Lettuce prefers soil rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral. Before planting, loosen the soil by digging and adding mature compost to enrich the soil.

If you choose to sow directly in the ground, make rows 20 to 30 cm apart and sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. Cover them lightly with fine soil and tamp gently. Water regularly to keep the soil moist until the seeds emerge.

If you prefer to transplant head lettuce plants, wait until the young plants have 4 to 6 leaves before transplanting. Dig holes about 20 cm apart and place the plants, spacing them in the same way.

The best time to plant head lettuce is in spring for a summer harvest and late summer for an autumn harvest. Be careful not to water the leaves to avoid mildew and slugs.

The best time to plant lettuce is in spring for a summer harvest and late summer for an autumn harvest.

Head lettuce can be harvested in spring, when the leaves are well formed but before they start to go to seed. To harvest, simply cut the lettuce flush with the ground using a sharp knife. It is important not to pull the plant out entirely to allow for possible regrowth.

Head lettuce keeps fairly well in the fridge, in a perforated plastic bag, for one to two weeks. It is recommended to keep it whole and wash it just before eating to preserve its freshness and nutritional qualities.

New head lettuce seeds can be sown for a new harvest, or the plant can be left to regrow if conditions are favourable. Crop rotation helps to prevent disease and optimise production in a natural garden.