It's very easy to plant and will grow anywhere, almost anytime. Make regular plantings every few weeks over the entire season, starting as soon as you can work the soil in the spring. That way you always have lettuce that is young and fresh. Never give the crop time to get old, tough and bitter - harvest at the peak of freshness and taste. Harvest leaf lettuces by picking off the large outer leaves or cutting plant off an inch above the ground and letting it grow back.