All leafy green vegetables contain quantities of vitamin C and lettuce is no exception. Picking it fresh is even better! Lettuce also contains vitamin A and folate, some varieties may have mild sedative properties. Cos lettuce tends to have a higher vitamin content than other varieties.

Lettuce is known to have been cultivated for thousands of years. There are many different varieties of modern lettuce, including the ‘cut-and-come-again’ types. These grow like small leafy bushes and can be cut every couple of days throughout the growing season. There are also various red tinged and curly leaf varieties that pretty up any meal.

There are, simply, hundreds of different lettuces you can grow. There are four main types:
-Butterhead
-Crisp heart
-Cos
-Loose leafed
Butterhead types tend to be hardier and more resistant to ‘bolting’ (running to seed)
Loose leafed varieties generally are used on a daily basis and won’t easily run to seed, if leaves are being harvested regularly.
Choose a couple of different types, but check on manufacturer’s growing recommendations on seed packets before you buy. Some will need more attention than others!

I like to grow mixed leaves and I found these seeds on Amazon (UK)

Lettuce Red & Green Salad Bowl (Organic) – 300 Seeds
“Produces a mound of lose oak leaf shaped lettuce for regular picking for several weeks. Does not produce a heart. Good resistance to bolting.”

Make sure the ground is well-drained before planting out your lettuces and do anything you can to deter the pesky slugs. Living in the southwest of England means plenty of damp and wet weather which the slugs and snails love so it’s a constant battle but I like to think we’re winning!

You could even try growing some lettuce on a windowsill. This growing guide will help you get the most from your plants.

How to Grow Lettuce (updated edition)

Download from your favourite retailer on our Mini Guides page

Happy Gardening!

Linda x

P.S. Recipe bonus! Iceberg Lettuce with Fruit & Nuts
Stunning salad centre-piece recipe looks so refreshing and delicious. I’m definitely going to try this one 🙂Iceberg Lettuce with Fruit & Nuts