Lettuce is one of the more poplar garden crops. Lettuce
is easily grown and adds color and beauty to the home garden.
There are four types of lettuce. Crisphead types form heads and
include the popular but nutritionally poor iceberg. Looseleaf lettuces
like black seeded simpson and red salad bowl form loose heads. Butterhead
types such as bibb or buttercrunch form small, tight heads with satiny
leaves. Finally, romaines form conical, upright heads are are probably
the highest in nutrient content.
Lettuce is a cool season crop and will not tolerate hot, dry summer
conditions. Plantings may be made starting April through early
June and then again in late July - August for a fall crop. For
a steady supply, succession planting can be made every 2-3 weeks during
When temperatures climb lettuce will tend to produce a seed stalk, also
known as bolting. Bolting results in a bitter, unpalatable leaf
flavor and should be avoided.
Lettuce may be started indoors and transplanted or direct seeded. For
transplants, start the seeds in pots filled with potting mix (available
at most garden centers). Sow several seeds about a quarter of an
inch deep and keep moist. After the seeds emerge thin so that the
seedlings stand at least 2 inches apart. Full sun or grow lights
should be used or else spindly, weak plants will result.
In about 4-6 weeks seedlings may be transplanted to the garden. For
large heads space plants 10 inches apart. Place plants closer if
you are harvesting for leaves only. Be sure to acclimate the plants
to the outdoors first and transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening
to prevent plant shock.
For direct seeding make shallow trenches and sow several seeds per inch,
cover with a quarter of an inch of soil. Again, keep moist and
when seedlings emerge thin so that seedlings stand at least 2 inches
apart. You may gradually thin out the plants as they grow and eat
the thinnings. This will provide a steady supply of tender baby
leaves which are good in salads. For heads thin to 10 inches, for
leaves leave plants closer together.
Lettuce is relatively pest-free. In damp weather slugs can be
a problem. Discourage slugs by cutting back on watering, avoiding
the use of mulch and by spacing so that air can circulate around plants.
Harvest lettuce in the early morning and refrigerate immediately to
preserve flavor and nutrients. Pick only as much as you will use
in one day. Be adventurous and try some new lettuce varieties this
year to spice up your salad life!