When to Plant Lettuce

Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown either in the spring or fall. It thrives in temperatures between 45掳F and 65掳F (7掳C and 18掳C), making it an ideal crop for many regions. But when exactly should you plant lettuce? Read on to find out.

Spring Planting

When to plant lettuce in the spring depends on your location and climate. Gardeners in the southern United States can start planting lettuce as early as February or March, while those in the North should wait until April or May.

The key is to wait until the soil temperature is right. For lettuce seeds to germinate, the soil temperature needs to be at least 35掳F (2掳C). However, lettuce seedlings will grow best in soil that is between 50掳F and 60掳F (10掳C and 16掳C). You can use a soil thermometer to measure the temperature and determine when it鈥檚 safe to plant.

Another thing to keep in mind is that lettuce prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding organic matter like peat moss or compost.

Fall Planting

Fall is actually the best time to plant lettuce. The cooler temperatures and shorter days mimic the plant鈥檚 natural growing conditions and result in sweeter, more tender leaves.

For fall planting, start sowing lettuce seeds around 8 to 10 weeks before the first expected frost. In most areas, this will be sometime in August or September. Use the same guidelines as for spring planting in terms of soil temperature and pH.

You can also extend your lettuce harvest by planting several different varieties at different times. This is known as succession planting and ensures a continuous supply of lettuce throughout the growing season.

Other Tips for Growing Lettuce

Here are some additional tips to help you successfully grow lettuce:

Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks to encourage leafy growth.

Harvest lettuce leaves when they are young and tender, before they turn bitter.

If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to enjoy a bountiful lettuce harvest in no time!