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Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

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Lettuce is an easy to grow spring and autumn vegetable.
It"s two worst enemies are hot temperatures and slugs.

Here are some tips to grow lettuce all summer long, even
when temperatures soar.

*Make sure soil contains a good supply of nitrogen for good
leaf production.

*Make early plantings in full sun.

*Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep in a wide row, 6 inches apart
in all directions.

*Plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest all summer
long.

*As the weather warms up, start planting in partial shade.
Either on the side of the house that receives morning sun or
in the shade of other taller plants such as corn broccoli
etc.

*Keep weeds under control as lettuce has shallow roots and
can"t compete with deep rooted weeds.

*Keep soil moist but not wet. Water at the base of the
plant and not the leaves wet leaves will encourage disease.

*Aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, leafhoppers and leaf
miners are some of the insects that attack lettuce, but slug
are the most notorious for loving lettuce.

*Avoid pesticides as lettuce leaves are very tender and
delicate, and can absorb many insecticides. An insecticidal
soap or handpicking usually alleviates the majority of
lettuce pests.

*One tip to avoid slugs is to avoid mulching lettuce.

For more tips on how to control slugs on lettuce and in the
entire garden visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/slugs.htm