HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING 
LETTUCE 
N EXT to radishes, lettuce is the most popular crop 
in the home garden. Yet comparatively few people 
know how to get the best out of this easily grown salad 
simply because they completely disregard character of 
the plant and its natural requirements. 
Cool weather and plenty of moisture are the two most 
important factors in lettuce culture. Given these, the 
plants thrive in a remarkably great variety of soils. On 
poor soil frequent cultivation will often overcome a lack 
of fertility. By planting sorts adapted to different 
seasons, crisp salads may be enjoyed all summer. 
The lettuce plant is naturally of a spreading habit 
of growth and resents being crowded in the row. Nearly 
all failures to obtain heads from head lettuces are due to a 
disregard of timely thinning. There are four distinct 
types of lettuces, namely, the loose-leaf sorts that do 
not form heads, the butterhead sorts, the crisp-head vari- 
eties, and the Cos or Romaine lettuces. 
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