Although it’s possible to successfully grow lettuce earlier in the year, I prefer to leave sowing until around now, once the longest and hottest days have passed.  The seeds seem to germinate more reliably and once established are less likely to bolt in the lower temperatures.

I’ve just sown the three varieties pictured above:  the Japanese Mizuna, which I’ve grown before and remember it being very peppery,  Mazur, which is a first-time grow for me but it promises to be one of those tightly frilled varieties, and finally good old Little Gem, sometimes quite expensive in the shops.

The seeds are dotted between tomato plants, which isn’t particularly a recommended companion planting, but is harmless and will give the lettuce some cover.