Container growing is common in places that may not have a yard, good outdoor weather, or simply want to have an indoor edible garden. Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow indoors. If you’re thinking about growing lettuce in containers, then continue reading for some tips and tricks to ensure you get a good harvest for your salad this year.
How to Grow Lettuce in Containers
Growing lettuce in containers helps avoid the need to weed your garden, risk of bug infestation and other issues that can cause your lettuce to wilt, especially when grown outdoors.
Selecting the Right Container
Lettuce does need a lot of room for growth, but can easily be grown in a garden container that’s 6-12 inches. If planting inside, maybe use windowsill containers, or any container that will give your lettuce roots ample space to grow.
Consider Water Levels
Lettuce needs a lot of water, considering lettuce is about 95% water, but the roots don’t like to be saturated in water. Keep your lettuce moist by choosing a clay pot that will help evaporate excess water so that your lettuce roots don’t get soggy. Drainage holes in your containers and a saucer are needed as well.
How to Place Lettuce Seeds
Before planting, you’ll want to make sure you prep the soil for your lettuce. Add ½ teaspoon of time-released fertilizer per one gallon of soil to ensure your lettuce seeds are being planted in nutrient-rich soil. Place your seeds about ¼ inch deep into the container soil allowing 6-12 inches between seeds, some varieties can grow closer together. Read the seed package for complete instructions on seed placement.
Watering Lettuce in Containers
As I mentioned earlier, lettuce does need a lot of moisture but the roots don’t like to be sitting in water. Proper drainage matters. Using a container that draws moisture away from the roots is best. Outdoor lettuce needs about one inch of water per week. Container lettuce needs more than that. Consider using a spray bottle with water to keep your lettuce happy.
Harvesting Container Lettuce
Start trimming the outside leaves of loose lettuce when your container lettuce is young. You’ll want to cut your container lettuce when it’s young for the best flavor. If you wait too long to harvest your container lettuce then the flavor will be bitter. You’ll want to harvest when the leaves are loose and softer.
Now you should be able to grow lettuce in containers with ease. Having an edible garden is an excellent way to keep fresh veggies in the home for salads, burgers, and any other meal you desire serving lettuce with.
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