Quick summary
Lettuce is a versatile and nutritious leafy special K that can be grow in most home gardens . Whether you ’re aseasoned gardeneror a tyro , learning how toplant lettucein the ground is an essential skill that will allow you toenjoy sweet , homegrown lettuce all season long .
Choosing the Right Lettuce Variety
The first step in planting lucre is choosing the right potpourri . There are many different types of wampum , each with its ownunique flavor , grain , andgrowing requirement . Some popular varieties let in :
Preparing the Soil
Lettuce prefers well - drained , fertile soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Before planting , repair the territory withorganic matter , such as compost or manure , to improve its structure and fecundity . If your dirt is laborious or clay - same , consideradding sandor perlite to improve drain .
Starting Lettuce Seeds
Lettuce can be started from germ or organ transplant . If starting from seed , sow in theseeds thinlyin a seedbed or straightaway in the land . cut through the seeds with athin layerof soil and keep the soil moist . Lettuce seeds typically germinate within 7 - 14 day .
Transplanting Lettuce
Once the wampum seedling have modernize a fewtrue leave-taking , they can be transplanted into theirpermanent locationin the garden . Space the plants 6 - 12 in apart , depending on the variety . Water theplants deeplyafter transplant .
Watering and Fertilizing
Lettuce require regular tearing , especially during raging , dry weather . water system theplants deep , butavoid overwatering , as this can lead to root putrefaction . Fertilize the lettuce every few weeks with a balanced fertiliser .
Mulching
Mulching around thelettuce plants helpstoretain wet , suppress widow’s weeds , and shape soil temperature . Useorganic mulch , such as stubble , hay , or compost .
Controlling Pests and Diseases
Lettuce is susceptible to several gadfly and disease , let in aphids , slugs , andpowdery mould . supervise theplants regularlyand take appropriate measure tocontrol infestationsor diseases .
Harvesting Lettuce
Lettuce can be harvested when the leaves arefully developedand have reached thedesired sizeand texture . To harvest , cut the leafage off at the understructure of the plant . Lettuce can be store in the icebox for up to a workweek .
Growing Lettuce in Containers
If you do n’t have a traditional garden , you may still develop bread in containers . prefer a container that is at least 12inches deepand hasdrainage holes . Fill the container with a well - drain potting commixture and sow thelettuce seedsor transplant the seedling . Water and fertilize the plants on a regular basis .
Tips for Success
The Bottom Line: Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Growing lettuce in the ground is a rewarding experience that allows you to revel tonic , homegrown shekels allseason long . By following these peak , you could assure that yourlettuce plants thriveand make abundant harvest .