January and February are optimum months for planting lettuce from seed, according to Charles B. Ledgerwood's Southern California Vegetable Planting Calendar. Here are other his other suggestions, optimum plantings for the month are capitalized.

ASPARAGUS, BEETS, BROCCOLI, BRUSSEL SPROUTS, CABBAGE, CAULIFLOWER, CARROTS, CHIVES, celery, COLLARDS, ENDIVE, FAVA BEANS, KALE, KOHLRABI, leek, LETTUCE, MUSTARD, ONIONS, PEAS, PARSLEY, PARSNIP, RADISH, POTATOES, RUTABAGA, SWISS CHARD, SPINACH, TURNIP, winter zucchini.

If planting your lettuce from seed, why not get a little creative. Whether you have raised beds, or plant your seeds directly in the ground, try planting your favorite different types of lettuce in alternate rows of a shape. Some of my favorite lettuces are the Lettuce "Lollo Rosso," Lettuce "Bibb," and Lettuce "Oak Leaf."

For a great visual in your kitchen garden create simple patterns. Make a quick sketch of what seeds you want to plant in each row. Sow seeds in half circles, spirals, diagonals for something different.

Please comment on your favorite lettuce. Please share a lettuce-growing story you have.