Lettuce Garden

Probably one of the most overlooked crops during North Central Texas winters is lettuce.  I'm not talking Iceberg here: think fancy greens found in salads at high end restaurants or expensive mixed salad bags at the grocery.  They are possibly the easiest, quickest growing crops you can produce in a small area with minimal attention.

Basically, you'll need some seeds, a 5 gallon container filled with local compost placed in a generally sunny location (minimum 6 hours of direct sun a day), a watering can or mist sprayer, and some plastic for protecting seedlings on cold days and evenings.

1. Water the compost thoroughly - you want it to be moist but not dripping. 
2. Rake the compost surface thoroughly then sprinkle your seeds on the surface.
3. Lightly cover the compost with additional compost.
4. Cover the seeded area with plastic to keep the soil warm.

Over the next 25 days make sure to check on the seedlings as they begin to sprout...you may choose to thin out seedlings that look spindly.  As leaves begin to reach 4  to 6" in height, trim individual leaves from the outside in with a pair of scissors about one inch above soil level. 

I've tried this for several years and had excellent results.  If you have other experiences, or suggestions, please let me know!