Beginner Gardener Tips: How to Plant Lettuce in 6 Easy Steps
Last updated: October 18, 2016
Are you looking to plant lettuce this season?
Would you like a fresh organic lettuce in your salads?
Planting and growing lettuce does not have to be hard. In fact, any beginner gardener can do it. That makes it a perfect topic for this week’s Beginner Gardening Wednesday.
Every Wednesday, we publish articles that have topics that are designed to aid beginner gardeners. Our goal is help anyone new to gardening succeed. We have covered a lot from information from growing new trees to a comprehensive guide to growing hydrangeas.
6 easy steps to planting lettuce.
- The Right Season: Grow lettuce in cool weather, even when there is a risk of frost. Lettuce loves temperatures from 45 degrees to 65 degrees. You can plant in the spring or the fall.
- Start Indoors: About 5 weeks before the last spring frost is the soonest that you can plant and you will want to start indoors. A week before transferring outside, add in compost and make sure to till it or stir it in. Transplant the seedlings anywhere from 2 weeks before the last frost and even 2 weeks after.
- Sowing The Seedlings: When it is time to sow the seedlings, the Old Farmers’ Almanac recommends sowing them directing into the ground, placing them about an inch deep.
- Depending on the Type of Lettuce: If you are planting a leaf lettuce you will want to space them about four inches apart. For loose-headed types, space about 8 inches apart. Lastly, for any firm-headed types make sure to space those about 16 inches apart.
- Rows: Place the rows of lettuce about 12 inches across from each other and cover the seeds with about 1 inch of soil.
- Install Aeration Tubes: For optimal watering results, make sure to install Rootwell’s Root Stick aeration tubes and water deeply after transplant.
Your Turn
Have you ever planted and grown organic lettuce? What is your number one tip for a healthy harvest? Please let us know in the comment section below.
