Now is the time to plant Tom Thumb Lettuce seed on the kitchen window sill for an early homegrown lettuce from the vegetable garden.

As soon as it comes up transfer the lettuce to a frost-free unheated greenhouse, or a very light patch under glass. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out gradually, but keep them about 15cm (6in) apart.

Tom Thumb is the smallest lettuce.

• compact, solid butterhead type
• delicious
• soft leaves
• very fast growing

This lettuce will be ready to harvest about 65 days after sowing.

To test if it is ready to harvest, press the head gently with the back of the hand, it is ready if it feels solid and barely yields to pressure.

Click the link for a how to grow lettuce grow card reference.