The first thing you want to do is till the soil (for the simple reason that any clumps will prevent the seeds from germinating) and then check the soil for nutrients. Lettuce needs well-draining soil but a lot of moisture. Nitrogen in the soil is needed for good leaf development.Plant some of your lettuce seeds in a container that will be put in a basement. Then plant some in the ground, making sure plants will grow 8" to 16" apart, depending on the variety. If they're too crowded, there will be no ventilation, and the chance for disease increases. If it's too hot outside, above 80 degrees, the seeds won't germinate. Lettuce does best in cool, sunny weather.
Seeds need to be kept moist -- but don't water in the evening, because the leaves are prone to disease. Weed diligently, and don't use mulch if your garden has slugs. And if you want a constant crop, plant a second batch of seeds two weeks or so after you plant the first batch. That way you'll have lettuce into the fall. Choose heat-resistant varieties for the late-spring plantings and cold-resistant ones for harvesting into the fall. All it takes is the right variety and a little maintenance, and you'll have fresh lettuce all season long.
