The smallest lettuce. A compact, solid butterhead type with deliciously soft leaves just right for small families or restricted space. Lettuce Butterhead Tom Thumb can be grown as close as 15cm (6in.) apart and makes a useful early crop in a cold frame or cloches. Very fast growing, from an early spring Butterhead Tom Thumb will be the first variety to harvest.Sow seeds thinly from March to late April 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 15cm (6in) apart. A moist, well drained, fertile soil which has had plenty of compost dug in the previous autumn is best.As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out gradually to 15cm (6in.) apart.To test whether the heads are ready to harvest, press them gently with the back of the hand, they will feel solid and barely yield to pressure.