Lactuca sativa
Lettuce is a cool-season leafy vegetable cultivated for its crisp and tender leaves. It comes in various types, including butterhead, romaine, crisphead, and loose-leaf, each with unique textures and flavors. Lettuce is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, adding a refreshing element to meals. It's a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate and fiber.
Sow seeds in seed starting mix, 1cm deep. Keep soil consistently moist and warm (10-21°C).
Sow seeds directly in the ground, 1cm deep, when soil temperatures are between 10-21°C.
Transplant seedlings outdoors, spacing them 15-25cm apart for small-medium varieties, or 35cm for large varieties.
Water lettuces regularly, especially during dry periods, to prevent bolting.
Harvest loose-leaf lettuces whole or as a cut-and-come-again crop. Harvest butterhead, cos, and crisphead lettuces when they have formed a head.
Companion planting can help deter pests, improve pollination, enhance growth, and maximize garden space. Some plants release chemicals that repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade for sensitive plants.
Chilli peppers are the fiery fruits of the Capsicum family, known for their intense heat and use in various cuisines. They range in size, shape, and spiciness, adding a kick to dishes worldwide. They thrive in warm climates and require careful cultivation.
Sweet peppers, also known as bell peppers, are a variety of Capsicum annuum prized for their large, mild-flavored fruits. They are used in a wide range of culinary applications, from salads and stir-fries to stuffed peppers and sauces. They require warm conditions and plenty of sunshine to thrive.
Sweetcorn is a tall, annual grass cultivated for its edible kernels. It thrives in sunny locations with fertile soil and is best eaten fresh. The cobs can be grilled, boiled, or roasted, and the kernels used in various culinary dishes.