GROWING NOTES

Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and thin carefully for best quality heads. If birds are attracted to the young seedlings, cover them with floating row covers or netting.

HARVEST AND USE

Savor young thinnings in your first spring salads. Then harvest plants by cutting mature heads when they feel firm and well-filled out. Pull and discard or compost over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather as they are bitter at this stage. These crispy colorful romaines are perfect for centerpiece Caesar salads that rival the finest restaurant.