Growing Dependable Lettuce – Even in the Summer!

I just posted a new video called Growing Dependable Lettuce up on our uTube Channel.

The Oakleaf lettuce seed variety I was planting in the video is called ‘Panisse’ and the Red Romaine variety is “Red Rosie.’ I have had great luck with both! I shot that video and seeded that tray on June 17th. And here’s a shot of that seed tray yesterday (July 6th):

Here’s a pic of the other seed tray that had just started coming up (I took the cling wrap off on the video):

Here’s a shot of the transplanted ones from the video:

And here’s how the ones I transplanted into pots look today:

They are all set to get planted out into the field. They have a very good chance of getting through any storms or heat waves we may experience and still form good sized, harvestable heads. And they’ll be delicious!

HARDENING OFF    All these lettuce plants have been kept out of direct sunlight and evenly moist. A couple days before I plant the mature ones out to the field, I’ll leave them in the full direct sun, but under a light layer of floating row cover. You could also just place them in direct sun in the morning and put them back into indirect light in the afternoon for two days. They don’t need a dramatic hardening-off program, but a little can really alleviate transplanting stress. I’ll also plan for a cloudy day for transplanting the mature ones out to the field. Or you can cover them with row cover for the first couple days after transplanting.

Be sure to water your new transplants well.

Never transplant seedlings after 11 am on summer days. The best time of day for transplanting is 6 pm to 11 am.

Video can be accessed here too. Or visit our Midsummer Farm uTube Channel.