Lettuce is an excellent vegetable to grow in containers . With the right conditions , it provides a rewarding harvest that can extend throughout the yr . Start with a well - draining organic potting mixture and maintain good watering habits for the good results .
Types of Containers
Lettuce will produce in just about any container that has good drainage . Lettuce plants have relatively short roots ; a container with a 6 to 12 - inch depth will be o.k. . Terracotta pots incline to dry out quicker than charge plate sens . You may need to water them more often or line them with plastic before planting .
Pots with a 4 to 6 - inch width can hold about 2 lettuce plant life . works should be spaced at least 3 inch from each other . Increase the opening size in club to accommodate more plants with your spacing requirements in mind .
Potting Mix
An all - intent organic potting mix is a double-dyed lettuce medium . If you would care to get the most from your container garden , mix in 50 % ripened moo-cow manure or land up compost . Vermiculite is another ready to hand addition to a potting mixture . It will hold wet longer and help oneself to prevent compaction . Since sugar requires moisture at all times , vermiculite is a perfect amendment . Here is a formula for an all - purpose homemade potting mixture :
Planting
Fill your container so that the lip is above the ground about 1½ in . verify the metier is moist , or soak it down a few minutes before seeding . Sprinkle clams sow onto your soil generously ; you will thin them out afterwards . Cover the seed with ¼ inch of potting mix and pee exhaustively . Keep yourseedlingsmoist from then on . The lachrymation agenda will depend on the memory of your potting mix .
Watering
Watering could need to be done every day , or if your potting mix retains a draw of moisture every three days . learn the surface of the soil daily . If it ’s teetotal to the touch then water it . Be trusted that your container drains superfluous water well to avoid waterlogged ascendent .
Some gardeners apply the tray method acting to water lettuce . Place your throne into a tray of weewee late enough so the filth wicks up the moisture , but not deeply enough to submerge the roots of your lettuce flora . This method can concentrate labor and prevent sure cast from contaminating your plants .
Types of Lettuce
Most gardeners develop lose leaf lettuces when engraft in container . These case not only mature well packed together , they also provide a harvest within a duet of month and throughout the season . Pick the lower leaves as the plant spring up , allow new leaves to spring out from the center .
