Raised beds are ideal for lettuce production and they help prevent damage from soil compaction and fl ooding. They also improve air fl ow around the from soil compaction and flooding The also impro e air flo aro nd the plants, resulting in reduced disease incidence. Plant populations range from 60 000 to 100 000 per hectare. Lettuce is regularly sown directly in the fi eld to a depth of 10 to 15 mm. The seedlings are later thinned out to the desired spacing and.