Mesclun: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow mesclun outdoors?
Before sowing, check what your mesclun contains: lettuce, rocket, chicory and other leafy crops respond differently to cold and heat. Choose conditions suited to the species listed on the packet. Mixes containing plenty of lettuce generally establish better in moderate weather; high temperatures can inhibit its germination. During summer, light shade at the hottest part of the day helps the seedbed retain moisture.
Remove weeds and prepare a fine surface in soil that holds moisture but drains surplus water. Water before sowing if the soil is dry. Sow thinly in short rows or over a small patch, leaving yourself access for weeding and picking. Cover lightly according to the mixture's instructions: tiny seeds should not be buried deeply. Press the surface gently to bring the seeds into contact with the soil.
Water with a fine spray and keep the surface moist until seedlings appear. Different ingredients may emerge at different speeds. Thin crowded patches once seedlings are large enough to handle, and watch for slug damage on young leaves. While conditions remain suitable, sow small batches at intervals instead of filling the whole bed at once.
How do you plant mesclun seedlings?
How do you harvest your mesclun?
