When I was growing up, I never wanted salad on my sandwich, salad being the operative word for lettuce. Clearly, I had yet to learn about one of the greatest vegetables on earth. Luckily, I decided to plant some in my garden for the first time last year and that’s when my lettuce education truly began. I discovered that lettuce is very easy to grow, it grows quickly, and it’s much more divine straight from the garden to the table. Come it think of it, it’s almost as easy as planting an herb garden!
I recommend growing several different varieties. This is because you can pick a few leaves from each plant as they’re growing. (You don’t have to wait for the full head of lettuce to grow before taking off some leaves.) This makes for fabulous mixed leaf salads every night that will last you throughout the week.
It’s easiest to begin with small starter plants that usually come in packs of six. Lettuce grows best in cool weather so early spring is a great time plant. Place starters about five inches apart and water frequently, even twice a day if the weather is hot. I also planted new ones after a few weeks, in order to have a fresh crop of younger leaves growing simultaneously. I suggest growing romaine, butterleaf and leaf lettuce varieties.
Eventually, lettuce will “bolt” meaning that it “goes to seed.” In other words, plants will grow a long stem in the middle that flowers. When this happens, the plant will grow fewer leaves and the leaves will taste bitter. At this point, pull out the lettuce, as it’s no longer of use.
Be forewarned! I told a friend about my lettuce success and he quickly followed suit. However, all his lettuce was immediately devoured by some local varmint. So, you may need to fence in your lettuce or try growing it from window planter boxes above the ground depending on your particular (bunny) situation. I’m happy to say, I’ve never encountered this problem.
Image: Hey Sam