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If you want to grow your own salad greens but don’t have a large outdoor garden, growing lettuce in containers is an excellent option. Lettuce is a fast-growing and easy-to-care-for crop that can thrive in small spaces. With the right container, potting soil, seeds, and care, you can enjoy fresh, crisp lettuce leaves straight from your own container garden. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with growing lettuce in containers, including choosing the right container, preparing the soil, planting the seeds, caring for your plants, and harvesting your lettuce. Whether you’re new to gardening or just looking for a way to grow your own fresh produce, growing lettuce in containers is a great way to start.
The Best Containers for Lettuce
The important thing to remember here is to use something that is approximately 6 inches deep. This is to allow a nice strong root system to grow. From there, the length and width are really up to you and how much lettuce you want to be able to grow. When selecting your container, look for something with drainage holes at the bottom as well. Once you have your container, you’ll want some standard potting mix. I like to use organic growing practices for the food I eat and grow. Back to the Root Organic Potting Mix is one of my favorites and I always have a bag (or two) on hand. Here are a few container options to consider:
- Traditional plant pots – available in just about every shape, size and color. These are likely what you think of first when it comes to container gardening.
- Window boxes – long, narrow containers often found under window or on balcony railings. These were some of my favorite containers to grow in when I lived in an apartment complex.
- Recycled containers – it doesn’t have to be fancy, I bet you have something lying around that you could grow lettuce in. A bucket with a hole in it? Sounds to me like something just looking for a new life’s purpose.
Growing Lettuce in Pots
Growing process: Starting lettuce from seed is pretty easy! The best part about one of my favorite seed companies, Botanical Interests, is that they have a wealth of information on their packages.
- First thing you will want to do is add your potting mix to your container. I recommend adding water BEFORE sowing your seeds. You will want the soil to feel damp but not like soup.
- Once your soil is damp and in your container, it’s time to add your seeds. Each seed packet will tell you how to sow the seeds. Again this varies slightly from variety to variety but most lettuce seeds should be sown by either pressing lightly into the surface or covering with about 1/8 inch of soil. Spacing will vary more depending on the variety you choose. A mesclun mix won’t need too much space. These will produce little baby lettuce plants like a baby spring mix you find at the store. Something that forms a head will need more space, follow the seed packet to better understand spacing.
- While your seeds germinate, they like for the soil to stay damp and a little warm. If you’re growing your lettuce indoors there isn’t much you need to do temperature wise. But- if you’re growing your lettuce outdoors during a cooler time of the spring, you can speed up the germination by keeping your container inside in a sunny window until you see your seeds have sprouted. (PS – you don’t have to do this. If you don’t your seeds may take longer to start and/or have a lower germination rate.)
Seeds: There are SO MANY varieties of lettuce to choose from, but some will do better in containers than others. Think about the type before you buy. What is your patience like? A head of lettuce (like iceberg) takes a bit longer to grow before you can enjoy it. Versus a variety of lettuce that you don’t need to let fully form before you pick. Here are some of my favorites from Botanical Interests for containers.
Water and Care for Lettuce in Containers
Water
Lettuce plants like consistent water but they don’t want to drown. You can easily check the moisture level of the soil by putting your finger in the top inch. If it still fells damp no need to do anything but if the top inch has dried out, it’s time to give your lettuce a thorough drink. While not required, you can also use a misting spray bottle to mist the leaves of your plant.
Sun and Location
Your little container of lettuce won’t need too much, but a good home is important. Depending on the season, you can grow your lettuce indoors or outdoors. If you are growing lettuce indoors and have a sunny window, you won’t need any supplemental light, like a grow light. Typically your south-facing windows will get the most sun throughout the day. Lettuce plants will want about 6-8 hours of sun per day.
If temperatures are staying above approximately 40 degrees your container of lettuce can sit outside on a deck, porch or patio. Most lettuce actually grows best in cooler temperatures. Spring makes a great time to give this a try! As the temperatures warm up in the summer, you will want to look for heat-tolerant varieties and put your container somewhere that doesn’t get sun all day.
Harvesting Lettuce
Your loose-leaf or baby lettuce will likely be ready to harvest in about 60 days, sometimes even less. If you opt for heading varieties, they typically will take a little longer to mature and harvest. For baby lettuce harvest with a knife, pair of scissors or pruners; picking from the outside first. Leave a few of the inner leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow and produce. For heading varieties, I find a knife really works best and cut from the base.
Time to Enjoy!
You’ve put in the work, followed these beginner gardening tips, and tended to your container lettuce crop. Now, the very last step to growing lettuce in containers is enjoying your harvest. There is nothing better than eating food you have grown and cared for yourself. Whether you grew enough lettuce for a bountiful salad or just enough to add a few pieces to your sandwiches each day; I hope you not only enjoy the end result but the process of growing along the way.
FAQ
What are some tips for growing lettuce in containers?
To grow lettuce in containers, choose a container with adequate drainage holes, use a high-quality potting mix, sow the seeds in well-draining soil, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, provide enough sunlight, fertilize regularly, and protect the plants from pests.
What are the best containers for growing lettuce?
The best containers for growing lettuce include traditional plant pots, window boxes, and recycled containers like plastic buckets and bins. Choose containers that are large enough to accommodate the lettuce plants’ root systems and have proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
Can I grow lettuce in pots?
Yes, you can grow lettuce in pots. Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the lettuce plants and has proper drainage. Use a high-quality potting mix and sow the lettuce seeds according to the instructions. Place the pot in a sunny spot or use grow lights if growing lettuce indoors.
How should I water and care for lettuce in containers?
Water lettuce in containers whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot. Lettuce plants need about 6 hours of sunlight per day, so place the container in a sunny spot or use grow lights. Fertilize regularly and protect the plants from pests.
What are some companion plants for lettuce?
Companion plants that are beneficial for lettuce include herbs like chives, parsley, and cilantro, as well as carrots, radishes, and marigolds. These plants can repel pests, improve soil quality, and provide shade for the lettuce plants.
When can I harvest lettuce?
The time it takes for lettuce to mature and be ready for harvest varies based on the lettuce variety and growing conditions. Loose-leaf lettuce typically matures in 45-60 days, while head lettuce takes longer. Harvest lettuce leaves once they reach the desired size by cutting the outer leaves with a sharp knife or scissors.
