Growing lettuce step by step

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most popular and widespread vegetables, most likely because it is easy to grow. It also grows quite quickly and has many uses. Lettuce does not take up much space and even if you do not have a garden you can still grow it in containers or even hydroponically.

Sowing

If you want to grow lettuce indoors, you can start sowing in early spring. If you want to move lettuce outside, you may do so only after there is no danger of freezing temperatures – ideally at the end of May. A good idea is to start indoors first. Seeds are very small so, you simple sprinkle them on soil and press them gently into the soil. Water well and keep the soil evenly moist at all times.

Photo: Pixabay

Germination

In about 5 days you should see germination. If you sowed outdoors in a cold soil, germination will take more time. If you grow indoors, you may place seeds on a heating pad to speed up the germination process. First you will notice cotyledons and then true leaves. During this time you should start thinning. Leave a distance of at least 15 cm between individual seedlings.

Beware of pests

From the time the first true leaves appear until the harvest, you need to watch out for slugs and snails. These creatures love lettuce. There are several different ways how to get rid of them: salt around the soil, eggshells around lettuce, sharp stones or even a beer snail trap.

Harvest

If you want to fertilize you may, but only once during the season. Lettuce grows quickly so there is really no need to do that. However, fertilization adds nutrition and this is always a good idea. Fertilize when the plant is maturing and that is about two to three months after planting. That is just about the time when lettuce is ready for harvest. The time may vary slightly depending on the variety. In most cases, you just tear off the outer leaves only. This way your lettuce will last longer and you will enjoy it longer. If you want to harvest heads just cut each lettuce head at the base with a sharp and clean knife.

Flowering

Lettuce can flower of course, but you do not want that. You want to harvest before. However, if you let it flower, you can collect seeds and use them next year. Seeds grow on 60 to 90 cm tall stems. Naturally, the formation of seeds is preceded by flowering. Yellow flowers are pollinated by bees and insects. Flowering changes the taste of lettuce significantly. Leaves become bitter.

Source: https://www.urbangardengal.com/lettuce-growth-stages/

Preview photo: Pixabay