20 April 2007 - Planting out
The trial plot was watered on 19 April to moisten the soil prior to planting; this was particularly important as we have had a prolonged dry spell at Wisley. The small lettuce plants were also watered in their modules the evening prior to planting out; this ensured the plants were full of water (turgid) and minimised stress to the plants when they were transplanted.
The lettuces had grown on well in the modules and had developed a good root system.
Marking out
The trial was marked out with spacings of 15cm (6in) between plants of smaller cultivars and 30cm (12in) between larger cultivars in each row, with 30cm between rows.
Planting
39 plants of each of the large cultivars and 78 plants of the small cultivars were planted.
A hand trowel was used to make a hole and the lettuce planted and firmed in.
Once planted, the trial was watered using an overhead sprinkler and rabbit fencing put up.