Lettuce, Lettuce Everywhere...or not?

I always get over excited in early spring when it’s time to start planting lettuce.  I mean, there’s so much empty space to fill ….. and the seeds are so small…  and more is better, right? Well, not necessarily. I tend to get really wound up on the first sunny spring days when the temperature is in the 70’s and I just want to spend every free moment outside planting.  I have planted my lettuce in raised beds for the the past several years and have been pleased with the results.  A little lettuce can go a long way if planted and harvested correctly.  I have friends who plant lettuce and harvest the entire head.  I have always harvested by the leaf.  This allows for a longer harvest season using less space for this specific crop. Still, harvesting by the head opens up space for new plants or plants for warmer weather. You should choose what you prefer. There are all kinds of lettuces available – a smorgasbord of varieties and options.  You just have to decide what you like the best and what grows well in your gardening conditions.  We are a divided household in that my husband prefers a butterhead and I like a variety mixed together.  Fortunately, we plant both so we are all happy. 

The trick to growing happy, healthy lettuce is all in the spacing. Most people free seed when planting directly in a bed then go back and thin seedlings.  This is how I handle it now. I must admit in my earlier years, it really hurt my feelings to thin and pull up those little plants.  This resulted in my leaving too many plants too close together.  While it might not cause an immediate problem, it often results in smaller plants with white flies or fungus because of the conditions.  Allowing adequate room between lettuces gives the plants good ventilation so they don’t mold or mildew. Proper spacing provides less competition in a concentrated area for nutrients.  This also helps to prevent infestation of white flies, thrips and slugs.  Don’t make your lettuce unhappy. Recommended spacing is listed below.

Row planting: 12-18” between rows

Loose leaf lettuces – 4-5” apart

Butterhead and Romaine – 8” apart

Crisphead – 16-18” apart

Bed planting:

4 heads/plants per square foot

So, get to planting – and if it hurts your feelings to thin those lettuce plants – just transplant them into another bed or a pot to give to a friend.  There’s always a solution!

Happy planting!

-Carol