Take the guesswork out of growing lettuce in containers with these must-know tips.
Match the Lettuce throw in to the Container
Ideally, you want awide, shallow containerto grow lettuce.
Leaf lettuce can grow in smaller containers than head lettuce.
Credit:Edward Gohlich
For leaf lettuce, you need a container at least 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep.
To grow head lettuce, you need a container thats 16 inches wide and 12 to 16 inches deep.
Lettuce has shallow roots so you dont need a deep container to grow it.
Leaf lettuce is ready to eat at any size, and you could pick baby leaves for tender salads.
Dont Plant Lettuce Seeds too Deep
Lettuce seeds are tiny and delicate.
Plant them just 14 to 12 inch deep, or they will struggle to reach the surface and grow.
Start with lettuce transplants for a speedier harvest.
Because lettuce grows fast, you might begin snipping leaves to eat as soon as three weeks after planting.
Choose the Right Soil
Lettuce thrives in nitrogen-rich,well-draining soil.
Use a pre-mixed potting soil designed specifically for container gardening or mix upyour own potting mix.
Compost is the magic ingredient for growing lettuce in containers.
It adds nutrients, encourages lettuce to produce more foliage, and discourages pests and diseases.
Mix in a scoop or two of compost before planting your lettuce.
Plant Lettuce When Temperatures Are Mild
Lettuce is acool-season cropthat grows best in the spring or fall.
Water Regularly
Lettuceneeds consistent moistureto have tender, sweet leaves.
Too little water can result in tough, bitter lettuce.
Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out.
Fertilize Every Other Week
Feed your lettuce with awater-soluble fertilizerevery two weeks.
Fertilizer provides the plant with the nitrogen it needs to keep producing tender leaves.
Harvest Leaf Lettuce Every Few Days
Frequently harvesting lettuce encourages the plant to keep growing new leaves.
Use sharp scissors to cut the largest, oldest leaves from the plants.
Pick lettuce leaves in the morning when they have the highest water content.
Its a delicate, leafy crop, so the afternoon sun can wilt it.
Add Companion Plants
Companion plants help lettuce growbetter by repelling damaging insects.
You also benefit from fresh herbs to go along with your fresh lettuce.
Look Out for Pests
Aphids and slugs are lettuces top enemies.
