Are you a romaine lover, or more of an iceberg person?lettuce is a hardy crop that grows well in most regions, regardless of the variety you choose.The seeds are planted after the first frost.You will be able to make a salad with home-grown lettuce by early summer.Learn how to plant lettuce.
Step 1: If you want to plant lettuce indoors, choose a head variety.
Head lettuces are more mature.Plants benefit from an earlier planting date if you start the seeds inside.There are two types of head lettuce.These instructions are for planting loose leaf lettuces.You may need a heat-resistant variety if you are planting in late spring or summer.If you live in a hot climate, this is important.
Step 2: Prepare seed trays.
Store-bought seed trays can be used to start your lettuce seeds, or you can use an old egg carton, box or newspaper to make your own.To grow in a soilless growing medium, fill the seed trays to within 2 inch of the top.Prepare the medium for sowing the seeds.You can plant seeds in a soilless growing medium if you have the right seeds.A mix of vermiculite, perlite, and sphagnum moss can be used to make a growing medium.The function of your seed trays is more important than the aesthetic of them.
Step 3: The last spring frost is 3-6 weeks away.
Before the ground gets soft enough to plant them outside, this will give them time to grow.The seeds should be spread evenly in the tray.Press them into the medium with your fingers.
Step 4: The seeds should be given plenty of water and sunlight.
Keep the growing medium moist by placing the tray in a sunny window.The seeds may not be able to grow if you let it dry out.For the first week or so, you can cover the seed trays with a few layers of newspaper.When you see green shoots, remove the newspaper and keep it moist with water.Don't water the seeds.They may not be able to grow if they get wet.
Step 5: You can transplant into the garden.
Two weeks before the last frost date is when you can transplant your seedlings.Plants the root balls underground by digging holes in rows 16 inches apart.Lift the seeds from the tray and put them in the holes.To keep the seedlings upright, gently pat the soil around the roots.Water the plants thoroughly.If you want to get the best results, place the tray in a sheltered outdoor area.This will increase the amount of time outdoors each day.You can grow indoors and transplant them outside during the growing season.Pick varieties that are heat resistant.To water the lettuce garden, use a watering can or a hose with a spray nozzle.Make sure the soil is damp and don't drown the seedlings in water.
Step 6: The lettuce needs to be fertilized three weeks after transplant.
Slow release or alfalfa meal is rich in nitrogen.This will help the lettuce grow fast.
Step 7: Remove mature leaves.
When the leaves are mature enough to be eaten, cut them with a harvest knife or scissors.When the plant is mature, you should cut the whole plant from the ground.The lettuce will go bad if you leave it in.There are leaves in the morning.If you harvest early, they'll retain their crispness.You can see how to harvest Romaine Lettuce.At the end of the growing season, lettuce begins to "bolt" in hot conditions.It begins to produce seeds and has a bitter taste.pinching off the center of the plant is what you can do to keep this from happening.Pull the plant up if it ends up bolting.
Step 8: Store lettuce in the fridge.
You can store lettuce if you don't eat it right away.It should keep for up to ten days if you put it in a plastic bag.
Step 9: If you want to plant outdoors, choose a loose leaf variety.
The brightly colored lettuces are often sold in a "spring mix."These lettuces tolerate warmer temperatures and a shorter growing season than other varieties, so they are usually scattered in the garden.Head lettuce can be planted indoors.The hot weather causes "bolting" in lettuce, stopping leaf growth and introducing a bitter flavor.In hot climates, such as the southern U.S., you'll need to plant the lettuce as soon as possible or look for a heat-resistant variety.
Step 10: Prepare the planting bed.
As soon as the ground is workable, you should plant the lettuce.An area with well drained soil will get plenty of sun.Rocks, sticks and roots can be removed by using a soil tiller or spade.There are certain conditions that won't allow lettuce to grow properly.Make sure the soil is not too wet and that there is plenty of nitrogen.Make sure the soil is rich in humus.If you want to grow lettuce in your region, talk to someone at your local nursery about ways to enrich the soil.
Step 11: The bed needs to be fertilized.
At least one week before planting, mix in compost or a balanced fertilization into the bed.When leaves are four inches (10 cm) wide, you can apply a nitrogen-heavyfertilizer alongside the plants after about three weeks.
Step 12: The seeds should be broadcast.
You can plant lettuce directly in the soil about two weeks before the last expected spring frost, or up to six weeks in advance if protected by cold frames or tunnels.Put the seeds over the tilled soil and scatter the soil on top of them.A packet of seeds will cover 100 feet.Water the seed bed after planting.The planting should be staggered to get harvests throughout the season.Most lettuces don't grow well in hot temperature, so the last planting date depends on your local climate and needs.Use heat-resistant varieties or plant in shade for the final sowings.
Step 13: The lettuce should be watered.
The leaves need to be watered.Any time the leaves look a little limp, give the lettuce a light sprinkling every day.
Step 14: Remove mature leaves.
If you want to remove the mature leaves without hurting the rest of the plant, use scissors or a knife.As soon as the leaves reach the size you'd see in a grocery store, you can start doing this.If the plant is not removed after a few weeks, it will turn bitter and start to seed.The best time to harvest is in the morning.The harvest period can be extended by pinching off the center of the plant.Store lettuce leaves in the fridge for up to ten days, keeping them in a plastic bag with a couple paper towels.