Lettuce Give Thanks

I am thankful for the lovely rain and cooler temperatures.

The recent sweet rain allowed me one morning without having to irrigate.  Imagine.  Having enough time in the morning to enjoy some buttermilk pancakes and sausages. 

All the lettuce is coming in nice and thick and ready for thinning.  Parris Island Romaine is sharing a row with Marville of Four Seasons.    The Romaine is solid green with long, crisp leaves.The Marville is very similar in shape but it has a bronze tint at the tip of the leaves that aren’t quite as crisp as the Romaine.  It’s a nice combination.  Since it appears that most every seed has sprouted, I would like to try to transplant as well as thin the seedlings so that we can enjoy fresh lettuce all winter long.

If you’re looking to try to grow vegetables this winter (zone 8-9), lettuce might be an easy choice.  There still might be a few warm days left to help germinate the seeds.  Just keep the seeds moist in a sunny bed/location.  If a frost/freeze is predicted, the tender plants will need protection.  The Tule fog in the San Joaquin Valley will help to keep established lettuce moist from November – February.  Sandwiches, salads, and wraps taste better with just picked lettuce. 

Tip:  Drown just picked leaves to reveal any hiding pests like earwigs.  I’ll be shopping for a new salad spinner to help provide fresh salads.