HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING 



LETTUCE ON THE PACIFIC COAST 



is one of the most eminently satisfactory gar- 

 den crops on the Pacific Coast, which is responsible 

 for the Golden State being the largest producer of lettuce 

 seed in the world. Where heat and moisture are moderate 

 lettuce may be enjoyed the year around right out of the 

 garden. Seeds may be sown from earliest spring, through- 

 out summer and winter. Where the rainfalls are heavy, 

 it is customary to sow the seeds on a raised bed in a well- 

 drained situation. From this bed plants are trans- 

 planted whenever space becomes available in any part 

 of the garden. 



In most gardens in the interior valleys and bottoms, 

 lettuce is sown in rows, thinned out, and transplanted as 

 described on pages 212-213. During the hot summer 

 months, it appreciates frequent irrigation. If some shade 

 can be provided by means of lath screens or by planting 

 the rows along the shady side of tall-growing vegetables, 

 the heads will stand longer before bursting. 



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