Lettuce is a great crop to start out with as it's fairly easy to grow and gives you loads in return! Just protect it from critters, keep it hydrated and you'll have salads for months.
When to sow: August - May
How to sow: Direct or in punnets to begin with. Sowing direct means roots are not disturbed from transplanting (and it's less work for you), while sowing in seed trays first makes them less likely to get destroyed by slugs and snails as they grow.
Spacing: Depending on variety, 15-30cm apart. If you plan to harvest the leaves one by one as they grow, rather than the entire head at once, they can be spaced closer.
Pests: Lettuces can easily fall prey to snails and slugs, especially when young. You can surround young plants with coffee grinds or crushed egg shells when young to deter these pests, or use a snail/slug trap, copper tape or slug pellets. Lettuces can also fall prey to aphids and other small pests. We find the best way to conquer this is to plant lots of things that attract good bugs like ladybirds and spiders to kill these pests. Other options include neem oil and other sprays (e.g. rhubarb, chilli and garlic!)
When to sow: August - May
How to sow: Direct or in punnets to begin with. Sowing direct means roots are not disturbed from transplanting (and it's less work for you), while sowing in seed trays first makes them less likely to get destroyed by slugs and snails as they grow.
Spacing: Depending on variety, 15-30cm apart. If you plan to harvest the leaves one by one as they grow, rather than the entire head at once, they can be spaced closer.
Pests: Lettuces can easily fall prey to snails and slugs, especially when young. You can surround young plants with coffee grinds or crushed egg shells when young to deter these pests, or use a snail/slug trap, copper tape or slug pellets. Lettuces can also fall prey to aphids and other small pests. We find the best way to conquer this is to plant lots of things that attract good bugs like ladybirds and spiders to kill these pests. Other options include neem oil and other sprays (e.g. rhubarb, chilli and garlic!)