We try to get into the fields to seed as early as possible for continual supply, but Springs have been later and later every year for the past several years. They're also wetter, which delays our start on Long Island.
We seed our baby laf crops on raised beds with flat tops so that a harvester can be used. The raised beds also warm up faster in cold weather, keep excess rain water from flooding the crops, and allow air movement which prevents disease.
Our seeding schedule is brutal. In order to have baby leaves a determined size, we seed each crop as frequently as every 3-5 days. If it rains and we can’t enter the fields, we might be out of supply for several days.
We transplant our Frisee, Butter Lettuce and baby Lettuce heads. This gives the plants a quick start in the field so they are ready to harvest sooner than seeding directly. They also form larger and more uniform heads.
Seed election is of up-most importance. Not only do we want to grow beautiful varieties that are resistant to disease pressures, but also seed size and quality is significant. The larger the seed, the more robust the germinating plant. Of all the different crops we grow, there is no genetically-modified seed; all our produce is non-GMO.
