Your comments and tips

16 Jun 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)

Anyone know where I can get May Queen lettuce seeds in Australia???

Reply or Post a new comment

13 Jun 09, sue (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

claudie, i plant lettuce seed directly into the ground, (quite shallow) with a scattering of seed raising mix below and above them. Just thin them out when they've grown a little. I plant them quite close because we eat mostly young leaves (continuous picking). I plant in dappled light, under trees........they are surviving frosts at the moment. Have fun planting!

Reply or Post a new comment

14 May 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)

Claudie: I find a shallow tray works best (go to the supermarket and get a packet of 4 finger buns the plastic container is ideal) fill with soil, moisten, put the tray back together, put on the HWS check after 3 days. plant out when the second set of leaves appear. Keep moist!! Michelle: Sounds like your lettuce is going to seed. This happens when it is too hot and/or too dry. Jarred: choose cold climate veges! probably too late now for most things in canberra. You could try some peas and lettuce, get some frost blanket/fleece to put over them if it is going to frost o/nite.

Reply or Post a new comment

13 May 09, Jarred (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

hi, are there any tips for growing vegies in general in canberra? im a first time grower too.

Reply or Post a new comment

09 May 09, Tony R (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

I use the root part that often comes with supermarket lettuces. After we've eaten the bought lettuce, I just bung the root (with a leaf or two remaining) into the soil. Some don't take but most do. Free lettuces!

Reply or Post a new comment

09 Apr 09, Michelle (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Hi, My lettuce seem not be hearting, but growing straight up like little trees. Is this right? First time vegie gardener!

Reply or Post a new comment

24 Mar 19, paul (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

When the root temperature of lettuce gets to 23 degrees the plant bolts - goes to seed. The plant does this as a survival mechanism. Something like, "Ouch, it's too hot! Quick, produce seeds before I die so my offspring will have a chance to grow in the future". That's lettuce. True also of coriander. Mulching the ground will help. Shadecloth will help. Taller/established plants nearby casting shadow is arguably best - see permaculture for design tips.

Reply or Post a new comment

07 Apr 09, Claudie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Hi again What's the best way to grow lettuce? Plant the actual seeds or grow the seeds in cotton wool until seedlings then transfer? :)

Reply or Post a new comment

01 Apr 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)

Bill: Lettuce going straight to seed usually happens when it's too hot or dry (cabbage & silver beet tend too as well). As you water daily I am guessing that the lettuce are getting too much sun, have you tried shading them from afternoon sun? I have some lettuce growing in the shade of my tomato forest (planted a little close together this year). The lettuce get maybe 2 hours direct sun first thing, then shaded for the rest of the day, and they are doing really well.

Reply or Post a new comment

29 Mar 09, Bill Gibbo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

I have tried 3 or 4 different types of lettuce seedlings and also grown them from seed - all have the same problem going straight to seed without hearting, they are watered by bore sprinkler every day and in full sun. Any ideas?

Reply or Post a new comment