Lettuce Parris Island Cos

Soil Preparation 

 Soil Type:

• Well draining, rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–7.0). 

 Amendments:

• Mix in compost or aged manure. Use raised beds in wet areas. 

 Fertiliser:

• Apply balanced fertiliser pre planting. 

Planting Seeds 

 Depth:

• 5mm deep. 

 Spacing:

• 30cm apart. 

 Method:

• Direct sow or start indoors in trays for early crops.
• Thin seedlings to avoid crowding. 

Care Tips 

 Watering:

• Keep soil moist; water morning to prevent mildew.
• Drip irrigation recommended. 

 Mulching:

• Use straw or sugar cane mulch to retain moisture. 

 Feeding:

• Side dress with nitrogen rich fertiliser (e.g., fish emulsion) 3 weeks post planting. 

Pests & Diseases 

 Pests:

• Aphids spray with soapy water.
• Slugs/snails use beer traps. 

 Diseases:

• Downy mildew avoid overhead watering. 

 Prevention:

• Rotate crops annually and avoid planting in brassica beds. 

Harvesting 

 Leaf Varieties:

• Harvest outer leaves at 4–6 weeks; “cut and come again.” 

 Head Varieties:

• Harvest whole head when firm (8–12 weeks). 

 Tip:

• Harvest in the morning for crispness. 

Storing 

• Rinse, dry, wrap in damp cloth, and refrigerate.
• Consume within 1–2 weeks. 

Companion Planting Guide 

Good Companion:

• Carrots   will loosen soil.
• Radishes will be a trap crop for flea beetles.              
•  Dill/Coriander will attract beneficial insects (e.g., ladybirds).
• Marigolds will deter nematodes and aphids.               
• Onions/Garlic will repel slugs and aphids.                               
• Nasturtiums will trap aphids.

Avoid planting with:

• Cabbage family as will compete for nutrients.
• Fennel which inhibits lettuce growth.

Key Tip

• Interplant fast growing radishes between lettuce rows for space efficiency.