Lettuce Seeds for Fresh Harvest Year Round

Cultivate Crisp, Fresh Lettuce Right in Your Garden

Sowing and Planting Lettuce

Lettuce grows best in cool weather, making it ideal for early spring and autumn planting. When sowing them, cover them only lightly or not at all. The seeds will germinate when exposed to light.

Soil and Site Preparation For Lettuce

Lettuce prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Enhance your soil with compost before planting to promote healthy growth. Although lettuce can tolerate partial shade, too much shade can reduce leaf production.

Lettuce Plant Spacings

Space the seeds or seedlings about 25-30 cm apart to give each plant enough room to mature. This spacing helps prevent overcrowding and promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of disease. If you want to pick outer leaves rather than harvest complete lettuce heads you can reduce the spacing to 15cm.

Watering Lettuce

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce needs plenty of water, especially during dry spells, to prevent the leaves from becoming tough and bitter. A regular, gentle watering regimen helps maintain the ideal moisture level for tender leaves.

Harvesting Your Lettuce

Depending on the variety, lettuce can be ready to harvest as soon as 30 days after sowing for baby leaves, or 45-60 days for full heads. Harvest in the morning when the leaves are crisp and full of moisture. You can either pick outer leaves as needed, allowing the center leaves to continue growing or harvest the whole plant by cutting at the base.

Preventing Pests and Diseases on Lettuce

Watch out for common pests like aphids and slugs. Employ organic pest control methods such as eco pesticides or traps. Keep the area free of debris to minimize disease risks and discourage pests.

Can You Grow Lettuce in Containers?

Lettuce can be grown in containers. Even in vertical farms or hydroponics. However, the nutrient benefits from growing them in rich soil will always outweigh any other growing method. Using a container on your balcony or porch is a great way to harvest them when needed and keep pests out.