Lettuce-Wrap Beef Tacos

Lettuce

• Sow seeds successionally every 2-3 weeks in spring and autumn for a continuous supply, in a sunny to partially shaded spot with rich, moist soil.
• Protect from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates to prevent bolting.
• Ensure consistent moisture to keep leaves tender and prevent bitterness.

Onion

• Plant sets or seeds in early spring in full sun and well-drained soil, ensuring consistent moisture during bulb development.
• Space bulbs about 10-15 cm apart to allow for proper growth.
• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth over bulb development.

Tomato

• Plant seedlings deeply in full sun after the last frost, providing sturdy stakes or cages for support as they grow.
• Water consistently at the base to prevent cracking and blossom end rot.
• Prune suckers (side shoots) regularly to encourage better air circulation and fruit production.

Avocado

• Grow avocado trees from seed in a warm, frost-free climate with full sun and well-drained soil, though it can take many years to fruit.
• In cooler regions, grow as a houseplant for foliage, providing bright indirect light.
• Provide ample space as trees can grow quite large.

Coriander

• Sow seeds directly in cool weather, either early spring or late summer, in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, as it tends to bolt quickly in heat.
• Keep soil consistently moist to delay bolting.
• Plant in succession every few weeks for a continuous supply of fresh leaves.

• Hand-pick slugs from lettuce leaves in the early morning or evening.

• Use companion planting with marigolds or borage to deter tomato hornworms and other pests from tomatoes.

• Spray aphids off coriander and lettuce with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap.

• Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases and pests affecting onions and tomatoes.

Lettuce

• Cut whole heads at the base when they reach desired size, or harvest outer leaves as needed for a cut-and-come-again approach.
• Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture.

Onion

• Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over naturally, then cure them in a warm, dry, airy place for several weeks before storing.
• Do not bend or break the tops prematurely, as this can reduce storage life.

Tomato

• Pick tomatoes when they are fully coloured, firm, and easily detach from the vine with a gentle twist.
• Harvest before the first frost to save any remaining green tomatoes, which can ripen indoors.

Avocado

• Avocados typically ripen off the tree; pick mature fruits when they are full size and slightly dull in appearance, then allow them to soften indoors.
• Test ripeness by gently pressing the fruit; it should yield slightly.

Coriander

• Snip outer leaves as needed once plants are about 15cm tall, or harvest the entire plant before it flowers for the best leaf flavour.
• Harvest frequently to encourage new growth and delay bolting.