Deer's Tongue lettuce, AKA Matchless lettuce, is an heirloom variety known for its hardiness, cold and heat tolerance and its resistance to bolt in summer months. Deer's Tongue lettuce should not be confused with Amish Deer's Tongue lettuce, which was first cultivated a century later than Deer's Tongue. Deer's Tongue lettuce grows in a tight formation with a connected base, its narrow pointed triangular leaves growing outward and upward wrapping themselves around each other to form a very distinct rosette of lettuce. Though the outer leaves are tender with a mild flavor, the white inner ribs are less palatable, though crunchy, often slightly bitter. Young Deer's Tongue lettuce is milder than its mature counterpart. Microgreens growing instructions: The basics: Cover the bottom of the container with an inch or two of moistened potting soil/mix or coir. Flatten and level it with your hand or a small piece of cardboard, taking care not to over-compress the soil. Scatter seeds evenly on top of the soil. Press gently into the soil using your hand or the cardboard. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Dampen the surface with a mister. If you prefer, you can skip this step and instead cover the container with a clear lid or plastic wrap until the seeds are sprouted. While waiting for sprouts to appear, usually within three to seven days, use the mister once or twice daily to keep the soil moist but not wet. Once seeds have sprouted, remove the cover (if you've used one) and continue to mist once or twice a day. Microgreens need about four hours daily of direct sunlight to thrive (south facing window). In winter months, some may need even more. Leggy, pale greens are a sign of not enough sunlight. Light needs can also be satisfied with a grow light that has a low heat output — you don't want to scorch your delicate greens. Microgreens will be ready to harvest about two to three weeks after planting. Look for the first set of "true leaves" as a sign of readiness. Then grab your scissors and snip the greens just above the soil line. To serve, wash the microgreens with water and dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. Harvest and serve them immediately for the freshest flavor, and add to soups, salads, sandwiches or main dishes. Store remaining cut microgreens in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. Garden Planting: Early spring plantings should be made as hardened transplants from seed started one month before setting outdoors. Later plantings can be direct-seeded. Sow seed 1/4" deep and thin to 10-16" apart depending on the variety. Loose-leaf varieties may be planted more closely but good air circulation should be maintained around the plants. Soil should be cool and moist during the germination period. Seeds will germinate at temperatures as low as 45 degrees.