The Perfect Beginner Crop
Lettuce is one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables. It grows quickly, takes little space, and can be harvested continuously. Fresh-picked lettuce is incredibly crisp and far superior to store-bought bags.
Types of Lettuce
Loose-leaf is the easiest — harvest individual leaves without removing the whole plant. Romaine forms tall, crisp heads. Butterhead has soft, tender heads. Skip crisphead (iceberg) as a beginner.
When and Where to Plant
Lettuce is a cool-season crop for spring and fall. Plant seeds 2-4 weeks before last frost in spring. For fall, plant 6-8 weeks before first frost. Lettuce tolerates partial shade — unusual for vegetables.
Planting
Scatter seeds on the soil surface and press in gently. Keep soil consistently moist until germination (2-8 days). Thin to 6-12 inches apart. Eat the thinnings!
Watering
Lettuce has shallow roots and needs consistent moisture. Water lightly but frequently. Inconsistent watering causes bitter flavor and bolting. Mulch keeps soil cool and moist.
Harvesting
For cut-and-come-again, cut leaves 1 inch above soil when 3-4 inches tall. The plant regrows. For full heads, cut at the base. Harvest outer leaves of loose-leaf varieties, leaving the center to grow.
Extending the Season
Use shade cloth in summer to delay bolting. Plant in containers you can move to shade. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks. Cold frames extend harvest well into winter in many climates.
