Knowing how to grow lettuce can be a handy knowledge, especially if you want to ensure that you have a constant supply of fresh lettuce. On the contrary to what people believe, growing lettuce is fairly easy, making it perfect for beginner growers. Even if you don’t have enough space in your garden, you can always grow it in containers. Growing one in pots is even more fun and more straightforward. The best thing about having your own lettuce is you don’t have to buy one anymore. And you can always have a fresh supply nearby.

How to Grow Lettuce: The Preparation

Lettuce growing starts from sowing the seeds. Do it on well-prepared and moist soil. You can also do it on compost. Afterwards, you can use a thin vermiculite or compost layer to cover it up. Just wait until 10 weeks or so for the lettuce plant to grow.

When you sow on the soiled ground, you need to prep it first. Dig the garden compost (the well rotted type, preferably) before the sowing activity. Sow the seed along a centimeter of moist trench. Use a cane (usually from bamboo) to make a hole, and then cover all of those seeds with vermiculite. Make enough space by leaving around 30 centimeters between the rows.

If you grow it within containers, you simply scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil. Use peat-free and moist compost soil, and then cover it up with vermiculite or compost. Make sure only to use a fine and thin layer of it.

Once those seedlings have grown bigger, you need to thin those seedlings out. Do it within 10 centimeters up to 20 centimeters apart. Afterwards, water it. Do it along the created row so the surrounding soil would be resettled. It helps with roots placement, supporting the lettuce plants.

Temperature Concern
Cooler months would be the best time to grow the lettuce, which means that you can do it either in spring or fall. It grows well in areas whose temperature starts from 7 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. In the event the weather gets colder, you need to protect the newly seedlings, especially within the first week or even two weeks. You need to wait until new leaves appear because it’s the time when the plant is hardy enough to deal with chilly temperature.

Careful Caring
Consistently water your lettuce because of its shallow root system. Stick your finger to the soil for an inch. Dries up? Not moist anymore? Then you need to water it. Most people water their lettuce two times in a week, but then again, you can’t really take such a uniformed approach. Regularly check your plant so you really know when to water it down.

In general, lettuce in containers typically need more water than those grown in the garden. This especially applies during summers. It doesn’t hurt to always check your plant and stick a finger into the soil.

Conclusion
It would be a good idea to plant different varieties of lettuce, such as Red Romaine or Green Leaf. You can grow your own salad bowl for all I care! Learn the basic steps of how to grow lettuce and try it – you may love the result!

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