Lettuce 



105 



from the open is usually started in frames or forcing- 

 houses, or sometimes in boxes in the house. It transplants 

 easily. 



The crop may be grown in autumn from seeds sown 

 late in August or in September. In such case it is best to 

 sow in a seed-bed, because the moisture conditions can be 

 controlled better, and a field is usually too dry at that time 

 of the year to give quick germination. It is essential that 

 lettuce make a quick and succulent growth to be at its best. 

 For the late spring and summer crops the seed is usually 

 sown rather thickly and the thinnings are used on the 

 table. The plants that are to attain the largest size should 

 stand as much as a foot apart. 



Lettuce usually does best in soil that is loose and warm, 

 or one that the garden- 

 ers call "quick." Heavy 

 lands, and particularly 

 those with much clay, 

 are ill-adapted to the 

 crop. To secure a quick 

 growth, it is sometimes 

 advisable to apply ni- 

 trate of soda soon after 

 the plants are set. The 

 nitrate is usually sprin- 

 kled broadcast on the 

 surface and raked or 

 cultivated in. An appli- 

 cation at rate of 200- 

 eSOO pounds to the acre may be made with good results. 

 The surface should be kept well tilled to conserve the 



