Lettuce is one of the fastest and easiest crops to grow, and with a little planning you can harvest fresh leaves almost every month of the year. Succession planting — sowing small batches every two to three weeks — is the key to a continuous supply.
In spring and autumn, choose cool-loving varieties like butterhead, romaine, and loose-leaf types. These thrive in mild temperatures and can tolerate light frosts, making them perfect for early and late-season planting.
Summer heat can cause lettuce to bolt and turn bitter. To keep growing through hot months, choose heat-tolerant or bolt-resistant varieties, provide afternoon shade, and water consistently to keep the soil cool and moist.
In winter, grow lettuce under protection — a cold frame, cloche, or unheated greenhouse can keep your crop going even in freezing weather. Microgreens and baby leaves harvested indoors are another great winter option.
Harvest outer leaves as you need them and let the center keep growing, or cut the whole head for a larger harvest. With the right varieties and a bit of protection, fresh homegrown lettuce can be a year-round pleasure.