I left some lettuce plants, and I harvested only the bottom leaves daily. This was also the first time I'd seen lettuce plants mature and start flowering. The leaves were becoming similar to kale, hehe.

I'm considering adding a shade netting of around 50-65 percent on top. As for mulch, I don't think it's suitable in my area because it could become a nest for ants and other insects that could harm the plant's roots.