Lettuces

Leaf lettuce is by far the easiest to grow and, therefore, the most highly recommended for home gardens.  Space lettuce 12 inches apart in rows 30 inches apart.  For early planting, start seed in a protected area and transplant later. 

Lettuce can be planted on the shady side of taller growing crops such as sweet corn, tomatoes, and pole beans.  Lettuce works well when planted between rows of later maturing crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.  Border planting along the edges of the garden or in a flower bed also is possible.  Make successive plantings every 3 to 4 weeks so that lettuce is available for awhile.  High summer temperatures cause lettuce to send up a seedstalk and develop a bitter flavor.