Growing lettuce and salad mix is very easy and can be done in the smallest of spaces. It is also a great crop to grow fresh since the shelf life is quite short. It is also a fairly high demand vegetable for restaurants, making it a possible cash crop for small growers and permaculturists. Check out these 5 steps to growing lettuce below:
1) The first thing to do is find seeds! Some factors you may want to consider when purchasing lettuce and green seeds include: cost; organic or heirloom status; color and flavor of greens; local adaptability; and best growing season for different varieties. If your climate tends to be hot or the spot where you will grow the lettuce is direct sun, look for “slow to bolt” varieties for best results.
There are also pre-made mixes available, though these have a few drawbacks. First is that brassicas and lettuces are easiest to manage when they are separated. Brassicas have specific pest problems that lettuces do not have and the germination and growing times of each are different. When cutting for a salad mix, it is best to cut the whole swath and so if you have some short lettuces and some taller, it will be difficult to do.
2) Prepare the soil as for any other seed, with the exception of adding additional organic matter (this is not necessary since the lettuces are harvested when young). It is good practice to make sure there are not rocks or coarse debris on the soil surface.
3) Sow the seeds evenly, pat down and cover with a very thin layer of soil. This should then be “watered in” with a light misting hose or watering can.
To grow lettuces that will be allowed to grow to full size, prepare the soil as above but rather than spreading the seed, sow just a few seeds per hole.
4) Watering twice a dayis generally needed, though good practice is to check the soil. When watering, it is best to do it early in the morning or in the evening. Also be cautious about watering the leaves, they are more prone to burning when wet so water low.
5) Harvesting happens when the leaves seem big enough to eat. To have repeat harvests, be sure to harvest above the growth point. Cut and grow lettuces generally can be harvested 3 times before the nutrients and quality begins to go down.
Be sure to read Tips for Growing Lettuces and Salad Mix!