-
Sowing Seeds:
- Sow Red Oak Lettuce seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors in seed trays. Plant the seeds about 0.5cm deep in well-draining soil.
-
Spacing:
- Space the rows approximately 30 to 45 cm apart. For individual plants, aim for a spacing of about 15 to 20 cm.
-
Location:
- Choose a location with partial sun to full sun exposure for your Red Oak Lettuce. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
-
Soil Preparation:
- Plant Red Oak Lettuce in well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Enrich the soil with organic matter like compost before planting.
-
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist. Lettuce prefers even moisture, so water regularly, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
-
Fertilization:
- Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer when planting, and consider side-dressing with additional fertilizer during the growing season.
-
Thinning:
- Once the Red Oak Lettuce seedlings are a few centimetres tall, thin them to the recommended spacing to ensure proper leaf development.
-
Mulching:
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around the Red Oak Lettuce plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more even soil temperature.
-
Pest Control:
- Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or slugs. Use insecticidal soap or other organic methods if needed.
-
Harvesting:
- Harvest Red Oak Lettuce leaves when they reach a usable size, typically around 10 to 15 cm long. You can harvest individual leaves or cut the entire head at the base.