Growing and Harvesting Lettuce
Lettuce new growth Photo by Robyn Boldy
Description
Whether you have a large outdoor garden or small apartment space with containers, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an ideal crop to grow all year round. With dramatic increases in the price of fresh food, there has never been a better time to start growing your own salad, starting with lettuce!
Lettuces are incredibly varied in colour, shape and form, however all have similar growing conditions. They range in colour from deep purples and reds to lush green and are typically categorised as either head lettuce – usually harvested whole, or loose-lettuce, which can be harvested as needed.
Growing conditions
When conditions are right, lettuces are easy and quick to grow, perfect for beginner gardeners. Growing all year round in all climates (apart from periods of heavy frost or snow), lettuces prefer part shade in warmer months (spring and summer), however will grow in full sun throughout autumn and winter. Lettuces thrive in well-drained soil amended with nitrogen-rich materials such as compost or well-rotted manure and benefit from regular (i.e., fortnightly) feeds of organic liquid fertiliser (e.g. liquid seaweed fertiliser).
Sowing Lettuce Seeds
Seeds can be sown directly (0.5cm deep) or raised in seedling trays. Transplant when 3-4cm high when true leaves have formed. If planting in containers, choose a pot at least 15-20cm deep, planting 20-30cm apart depending on the variety. Water regularly to keep soil moist and prevent bitter-tasting leaves.
Slugs and snails are the main pests associated with lettuce crops, and can be deterred using diatomaceous earth or homemade traps such as beer traps.
Harvesting Lettuce
Depending on the variety, leaves can be harvested from six weeks onwards. Loose leaf and Cos varieties will yield harvests quicker and can be picked as needed, while crisphead varieties such as iceberg take 10-12 weeks to mature and are best harvested whole. Like most greens, lettuce are best harvested early in the morning while leaves are still fresh and crisp.
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Growing, Harvesting and Using Zucchini
5 Leafy Greens to grow over Autumn and Winter
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