THE VEGETABLE GAEDEK 271 



Seeds for head-lettuce plants may be sown in the 

 garden about the first of April. Sow the seeds in drills 

 half an inch deep and six inches apart. After the plants 

 are well started, thin so that they will be about two 

 inches apart in the row. 



Transplanting. When the plants are from three to four 

 inches high, transplant to a permanent place in the gar- 

 den in rows one foot apart, placing them from six to 

 twelve inches apart in the row, according to the variety. 



If the plants are being grown in the garden, thin 

 by using them, and let strong plants continue to grow 

 in the seed bed. 



Leaf lettuce. Leaf-lettuce seeds may be sown outside 

 in the spring as early as the ground can be worked, for 

 this plant will endure considerable frost. Sow in drills 

 half an inch deep and six inches apart. Begin using the 

 leaves early and thus thin the rows. Sow every two or 

 three weeks for a succession. Some of the plants may be 

 transplanted ; this will make them come later and do 

 away with the necessity of sowing so often. The late 

 plants do best if sown where they are to remain. 



Soil. Lettuce requires good ground that has been well 

 pulverized and enriched with thoroughly rotted manure. 

 Spade or plow to a depth of four or five inches and rake 

 the soil fine. 



Culture. Lettuce need not be cultivated deep, but the 

 surface mulch must be kept in good condition. After 

 every rain go over the land with a garden rake, to 

 prevent the formation of a crust. 



