This easy-to-grow annual is a classic for beginner and expert gardeners alike.
Most types of lettuce grow quickly, maturing in five to eight weeks.
Some gardeners plant a second crop of lettuce as the days grow cooler in fall.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Leaf lettuce has the greatest number of varieties available and is the most popular key in for home gardens.
Or, start seeds inside around five weeks before your area’s projected last spring frost date.
it’s possible for you to continue sowing seeds every two weeks tohave a continual harvestif you wish.
The Spruce / K. Dave
For a fall harvest, plant roughly seven weeks before the first fall frost.
Selecting a Planting Site
Choose a fairly sunny growing site with well-draining, organically rich soil.
Container growth is also an option.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
To maximize the efficiency of your garden, plant lettuce among warm-season vegetables, such as tomatoes.
Also, aim to plant lettuce in a different spot each season to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Space rows at least a foot apart.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The space between seedlings depends on the mature width of the variety.
But in general, keeping lettuce plants fairly close together will help to suppress weeds.
A support structure shouldn’t be necessary.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
But it also will grow in partial sun and does appreciate some shade in warm climates.
However, too much shade can make the growth leggy and weak.
Soil
Lettuce likes soil that’s light, rich inorganic matter, and well-draining.
A neutral to slightly acidic soil pH is best.
Water
Like with other salad greens, its important to maintain even soil moisture for lettuce.
Dry soil also can cause the leaves to become sun-scorched.
Mulch
Lettuces will also benefit from a good layer of mulch.
Temperature and Humidity
Lettuce grows best in a temperature range between roughly 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot weather can turn the leaves bitter.
For summer plantings, it is important to select varieties with heat tolerance.
Some lettuce varieties can tolerate a light frost but not a freeze.
To fertilize, work compost into the soil before planting.
Apply the fish emulsion at half of the recommended dosage every two weeks.
It is best to apply the diluted fish emulsion directly to the soil.
Pollination
Lettuce is a self-pollinated crop.
However, cabbage tends to be tougher than lettuce because it has lower water content.
Cabbage typically has a stronger flavor while lettuce is very mild.
you could harvest cut-and-come-again lettuce types as soon as the outer leaves reach about 6 inches long.
Trim off these outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue to mature.
If you are growing head lettuce, be sure to harvest before the head starts to elongate.
That means it’s ready to bolt, and the flavor will suffer.
It can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 10 days.
You also can keep the container in a convenient spot for harvesting.
see to it to check the space requirements for your particular lettuce variety.
In general, a container thats 6 to 12 inches across should suffice.
confirm it has drainage holes.
Pruning
The only pruning maintenance lettuce needs is harvesting its mature leaves.
Propagating Lettuce
Lettuce is commonly grown fromseeds.
But it also can beregrown from scraps.
The soil temperature should be at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit and ideally between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Potting and Repotting Lettuce
A quality all-purpose potting mix is typically fine for lettuce.
Overwintering
Lettuce is an annual, so no overwintering is necessary.
Be sure to harvest in the fall before freezing temperatures arrive.
Growing lettuce in the environment it likes can help to prevent these issues.
These sharp substances cut the slugs' underbellies when they slide across them and kills them.
you’re free to also try sprinkling cayenne pepper on the plants to deter the rabbits.
Lettuce is simple to grow, as long as it has cool weather and sufficient water.
Most lettuce varieties will be ready for harvesting in five to eight weeks after planting.
Lettuce is an annual, completing its life cycle in one growing season.
