Lactuca sativa
A cool-season crop perfect for beginners, lettuce grows quickly and provides fresh salad greens throughout spring and fall.
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Amend beds with rich compost and a handful of blood meal per square foot to support quick leafy growth. Lettuce prefers loose soil with plenty of organic matter, so broadfork without over-tilling to maintain structure.
Provide shallow, frequent waterings to keep soil evenly moist. In spring, water every second day; during summer heat waves, switch to light daily irrigations in the morning.
Side-dress with worm castings two weeks after transplanting and apply a diluted fish and kelp feed every 10 days. Avoid high nitrogen spikes that can make leaves bitter.
Thin seedlings to final spacing when they have 3 true leaves. For cut-and-come-again varieties, harvest outer leaves first to keep the core producing.
Harvest early in the morning and dunk leaves in cool water to remove field heat. Spin dry gently and store in a breathable container with a damp paper towel for up to one week.
These plants grow well together and can provide mutual benefits like pest control, improved soil health, and efficient space usage.
Watch out for these common pests and diseases. Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining healthy plants.
| Issue | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Tip burn on outer leaves | Increase calcium availability with a foliar kelp spray and maintain steady moisture. |
| Slug damage at soil level | Hand pick at dusk, apply iron phosphate bait, and use copper tape barriers around beds. |
| Bolting mid-season | Provide shade, plant bolt-resistant cultivars, and keep sowing successions in cooler microclimates. |
Fast-growing oak leaf type with tender leaves ideal for cut-and-come-again harvests.
Heat-tolerant bibb lettuce with crisp hearts and excellent regrowth.
Compact romaine that stands tall in tight beds and resists tip burn.
Check out our companion planting guides and learn about creating productive plant guilds for your garden.
