Lettuce Culture

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24133, 27 November 1941, Page 15

Lettuce Culture

JF a supply of lettuce through the hot ! -days of summer is to be maintained, rather more" care and work are needed than in providing the spring supplies. The summer crop will have to withstand heat and probably dry conditions also. These have an adverse effect on the crop, causing it to run to seed before the hearts are formed if the cultivation is not good. Choose the best and richest ground; if slightly shaded by a house or a row of runner beans, so much the better, but it must not be completely shaded and proximity to trees should be avoided. Dig it over deeply, breaking it well up in the process, reducing the top three inches to a fine tilth. If obtainable, incorporate a good dressing of well-decayed manure, or material from the compost heap. If the decayed manure cannot be obtained, apply a dressing of three parts blood and bone und two parts superphosphate. One part of sulphate of potash should be added to this, but unfortunately this fertiliser is now in short supply. Mix well together and a ppiy at the rate of six ounces per square yard. Work well into the soil with the cultivator.

. If the soil is dry, it should be given a good soaking the night before. It is not wise to attempt transplanting at this season, the better plan being to sow the seeds thinly in drills, then to reduce the number by thinning. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to nine inches apart. Sowings should be repeated every 14 days.