Gourmet Bibb lettuce in the backyard garden

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Yesterday I impulsively bought a six-pack of Gourmet Bibb lettuce at Summerwinds Nursery in Glendale. I really know nothing about this plant, except that it looked interesting, I liked the shape and color, and I do like lettuce.

I have tried to grow lettuce before and, after watching the slugs eat them all up, swore that I would never do it again. But circumstances have changed since the last time I tried, and failed, to grow lettuce. First of all, these plants are much bigger than the ones that I tried to grow many years ago. I had grown them from seed, and put them out in the garden when they were very, very small. This time, I spent the four dollars for these bigger plants.

Also, this area is dryer than it was in previous years, as I have removed several of the misting heads from here. In years past this was a soggy area, which I imagined is what made it such a haven for snails.

Now, don't get me wrong, I can keep this area well-watered, but it won't be with the automatic system, it will be with my new plastic watering can. And since this area is just outside of my back door, it will be easy for me to care for these plants.

I had pondered creating some type of raised bed, maybe in the courtyard, or maybe along the side of the house. The idea of growing *eating plants*, instead of just *looking at them plants* makes me imagine a less-visually attractive scenario. I mean, eating plants are for eating, not looking at. But I like the idea of having plants like this easy for me to tend to, and going out to the courtyard, or walking around to the side of the house, just means that there would be a tendency on my part to neglect them. Not so where this area is, I see it every time I step out into the backyard.

And the color and texture is nice, don't you think? Kind'a tropical? I'll let you know how it goes.

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