Growing Lettuce

Lettuce grows best under cooler temperatures when the lows are around 40 F and the highs are around 60 F, making it an ideal crop for growing during autumn or in early spring. If you intend getting a crop in fall, plant your seeds at least three months before the first fall freeze.

Since it does not take much space to grow, lettuce can easily be grown in smaller-sized gardens. The rows should be at least 10 inches apart. Leaf lettuce can be grown in a solid row, but you need to space head lettuce farther apart so the heads can grow. However, some of the varieties may need a larger spacing and it is best to check the seed package for recommended spacing for the different varieties.

Lettuce requires a lot of water to grow and thrive. If the weather is warm and dry when you intend planting the seeds, make sure that the plants are regularly watered with lots of water. Sandy to loamy soils are best suited for growing lettuce as they are well-draining. Soil with a pH of 6.5, offers the right condition for lettuce to flourish, but lettuce is not overly picky about PH levels. Testing the soil using an electronic soil tester will give you an accurate pH reading of the soil.

Lettuce seeds should not be planted deep in the soil. Instead, plant them shallow and cover with approximately 1/2 inch of soil. Water the seeds liberally after planting. Adding a little bit of organic fungicide to the soil will help prevent potential problems that occur due to fungal diseases.

Most lettuce varieties, including butter lettuce and Romaine can be planted directly in the ground using lettuce seeds. However other varieties, including crisphead lettuce are best grown from transplants. As your lettuce grows, their growth should be monitored and the plants should be thinned out periodically.

When your lettuce starts developing, add a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch over the garden using shredded wood, bark chips, straw and sawdust. As the mulch breaks down, it enriches the soil with added nutrients. Mulch also prevents the growth of weeds and helps retain the moisture in the soil.

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