Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING LETTUCE
EDIBLE
PARTS
Leaves and stems.
LOCATION
Shady area with a cool temperature. Lettuce grows well in raised
beds and containers.
BEST SOIL
Loose, rich, well drained; pH 6.0-6.8.
WHEN TO
PLANT
For transplants sow indoors early March to mid-July; direct-seed
as soon as you can work your soil and plant more every few
weeks.
HOW TO
PLANT
Can be transplanted or sown directly to the garden. Sow seeds
⁄ -inch deep, spacing them 8 to 10 inches apart in rows 12 to 24
1
inches apart.
4
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
10 to 15 plants per person each season.
WEEDING
Keep the area around the plant well weeded.
WATERING
Drip irrigation or overhead sprinkling will work well. Plants need 1
to 2 inches each week and may require more if the weather is
hot. Sprinkling the leaves in the early morning will help to keep
the plant cooler during the hot part of the day.
CARE
Provide some shade in the heat of the summer. A floating row
cover works well.
FERTILIZING
Add compost tea or fish fertilizer around the base of the plant
every 2 to 3 weeks after planting.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Use crop rotation as prevention. Some common pests and
diseases include slugs, aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles,
downy mildew, and fusarium wilt.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Lettuce plants reach maturity at between 50 to 75 days. Harvest
leaf and romaine lettuce when the plant is large enough to use.
Harvest Bibb lettuce when a loose head is formed and iceberg
lettuce when the head is firm.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Cut or pull off leaves of leaf lettuce. For head lettuce varieties,
use a sharp knife to cut off the heads at the base of the plant.
STORAGE
Wash leaves, dry them in a salad spinner, and place them in a
sealed plastic bag or container. They will store well for up to 1
week in the refrigerator.
