LETTUCE OUTDOOR

[Compo]

I have got some lettuce outdoors in the ground Franchini and Cos, doing quite well, I intend to leave them until there is a hint of frost, then try keep them under a cold frame, is this reasonable, they look really well and some are ready for eating which I will obviously enjoy, but how long can I expect to keep em like this?

[Primrose]

Can you get them under the cold frame now before the temperature starts dropping? This will help to keep the soil warmer for longer and keep them in a good state. In previous years I've managed to keep a few lettuces of various varieties going under cloches until the frosts come. One of the most resilient salad crops I've discovered is radicchio, which seems to be reasonably frost resilient and that survives very well when kept covered by cloches.

[Compo]

Thanks Primrose I have a cold frame for one lot and will bodge one up from polycarbonate sheet and fleece for the other lot nothing to lose eh?

Compo

[Allan]

I am still exploring this subject. Joy Larcom says that cos will survive oudoors, so far this seems to be the case but they would still be better off with something to keep them drier and stop the slugs. Most of my salads are in a polytunnel during the winter, but don't keep them shut up without some ventilation and remove anything with the slightest sign of rotting or botrytis will get a hold. If planting out remove both seed leaves and any damaged or wilting leaves. Much to my surprise I had some crisphead-types got through the winter, also Marvel of 4 Seasons seem to live up to its name.
Primrose mentions raddichio, the Italian for chicories, they are a large family and are generally hardier than lettuce and although a little bitter or tangy are still acceptable with other salad ingredients. The blanched whitloof are even better if blanched properly and always stored in the dark.
Allan
Allan