The warmer and sunnier months are ahead, making it the perfect time to get into gardening. Want to grow a batch of lettuce that can last you a month? Monty Don shows you how.
April is the perfect time to start planting vegetables in the garden. Each month, the beloved BBC presenter and gardening expert Monty Don shares his top tips and advice to ensure that our gardens are looking their best. As the gardening season begins, Monty’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make the most of their outdoor space.
Monty Don has claimed that lettuce is “one of the easiest of all plants to grow and freshly harvested.” He noted the unique advantage of growing your own lettuce: not only is it easy to cultivate, but it also tastes better when it’s homegrown. Although it may take between six to eight weeks to harvest, Monty assures gardeners that the results are well worth the wait. If properly cared for, lettuce can last a whole month, “if kept watered and cool.”
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Lettuce thrives best in mild, moist conditions, which is why Monty advises planting it early, in April, to avoid the challenges of a hot, dry summer.
He explains that the ideal growing temperature for lettuce is between 7 and 18 degrees Celsius, with sufficient sunlight and protection from pests and weeds.
In addition to climate considerations, Monty recommends a technique called “succession planting” to ensure a steady supply of fresh lettuce throughout the season.
He explains: “To avoid a glut or, worse, your lettuce all running to seed at once in very hot weather, the secret is to have good succession – which essentially means maintaining a small but constant supply of plants rather than one big harvest.”
He added: “To do this sow some new seed every three or four weeks and as one batch goes over another will be ready to eat with a third growing on as young seedlings.”
However, growing lettuce isn’t without its challenges. Monty warns gardeners to be mindful of slugs and snails, which are notorious for feasting on lettuce seedlings.
To combat these common pests, he recommends using a simple yet effective natural solution: creating barriers with crushed eggshells.
Slugs and snails dislike crawling over the rough texture of the shells, making them a perfect solution to avoid them from damaging the plant. This eco-friendly approach helps keep your lettuce healthy and thriving without the need for harmful chemicals.
Monty Don’s advice for growing lettuce in April is clear: plant early and protect your plants from pests. By following these simple guidelines, gardeners can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, homegrown lettuce throughout the season.
It’s also very important to note that it will take several weeks for the lettuce to fully grow. However, this gives gardeners the opportunity to plant other fruits and vegetables in the meantime, ensuring that the garden spaces remain vibrant and colourful.
By planning carefully, gardeners can create a diverse and productive garden that provides fresh produce throughout the season. This also helps to make the most of the available space, with each section of the garden being used efficiently.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, Monty’s tips will help ensure your garden flourishes and is looking is best as the new season approaches. Happy gardening!
