Lettuce Oakus

WHERE TO SOW Sowings can be made under glass, sow seeds into pots or trays of seed sowing compost at a temperature of 15-20C and lightly cover seeds with sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Alternatively sow seeds from April thinly along rows 1.5cm (1/2in) deep and 30cm (12in) apart direct in the vegetable plot.

WHAT TO DO NEXT Sowings made under glass can be pricked out into individual pots or module trays and grown on until ready to harden off and plant out into the vegetable plot 30cm (12in) apart between the plants and the rows. Seedlings sown direct outside can be thinned once large enough to handle to 30cm (12in) apart. Thinning’s can also be transplanted into other rows, watered in well during hot dry spells. HANDY TIP If short of space the attractive red foliage can look just as good planted in a flower border.