Lettuce Growing Guide

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that is easy to grow and provides a quick, fresh harvest. Here’s how to successfully sow and grow lettuce:

When to Sow

Outdoors: Sow lettuce seeds 2-4 weeks before the last frost or as soon as the soil can be worked. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks.
Warmer Climates: Sow seeds in late summer for a fall harvest. For more detailed tips, check out growing lettuce from seed.

Outdoor Sowing

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep, spacing them 6-12 inches apart depending on the variety.
Lettuce seeds are small, so sow thinly. Water gently after sowing and keep the soil moist until germination (7-10 days).

Indoor Sowing

For an early start, sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Use seed trays or small pots with a light, well-draining soil mix.
Sow seeds on the surface or lightly cover with soil.
Keep the soil moist and place the trays in a bright, cool location. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 2-3 true leaves and the frost danger has passed.

Care & Maintenance

Watering: Lettuce prefers cool weather and consistent moisture. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
Mulching: Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Bolting: To prevent bolting in warmer weather, plant lettuce in a location that receives some afternoon shade.
Lettuce thrives in garden beds and raised beds.

Pests & Diseases

Pests: Common pests include aphids, slugs, and snails. Use row covers to protect young plants, and consider organic pest control methods if needed.
Diseases: Lettuce is generally disease-resistant, but good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal issues like downy mildew. Learn about lettuce companion plants to enhance your garden’s pest control.

Harvesting

Lettuce can be harvested at any stage, from baby greens to full-sized heads.
Leaf Lettuce: Harvest outer leaves as needed, allowing the plant to continue growing.
Head Lettuce: Cut the entire head at the base when it reaches the desired size. Harvest in the morning for the best flavor and crispness. For more on harvesting techniques, see how to harvest lettuce.

Garden Use

Lettuce is great for succession planting in garden beds, containers, or as an edging plant.
It makes an excellent companion plant for taller crops like tomatoes, which can provide some shade. Lettuce can also be interplanted with radishes and carrots for efficient use of garden space. Explore more about lettuce varieties to find the best types for your garden.

Lettuce Growing GuideUpdated 4 months ago