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Lettuce is a cool-season crop that thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of sunshine. Lettuce is an excellent source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophyll with related health benefits. Additionally, due to the versatility of lettuce, you might have incorporated these greeny veggies fresh in salads, creamy tacos, or delectable burgers.
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Growing lettuce at home is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh and crispy greens straight from your garden. By deciding the best location, spacing the plants properly, and giving them adequate water and sunlight, you can ensure a healthy production of lettuce.
5 Tips To Consider When Planting Lettuce At Home
Choose The Best Location
The optimal growing environment is well-drained, organically rich soil and some sunshine. Container expansion is an additional option. To get the most out of your kitchen garden, plant lettuce alongside warm-season vegetables like peas, By early summer, when the lettuce is done, the warm-season vegetables will be vigorously growing and ready to take over the space. Try growing lettuce in a different spot every season to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
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Give Space In Proper Way
Simply plant them 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, as seeds need light to germinate; ensure to leave a minimum of one foot between the rows. The spacing between seedlings depends on how big the variety will grow. Generally, planting lettuce a bit closer together can help keep weeds down. You usually don’t need any extra support for them.
Provide Excessive Sunlight
Lettuce grows best in full sun, which means it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. In warm climates, it can also do well with partial shade and some protection from the intense sun. However, too much shade can cause the lettuce to grow weak and leggy.
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Soil Requirements
Lettuce prefers soil that is light and drains well, with plenty of organic matter mixed in. The best soil for lettuce has a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can help improve soil quality, providing essential nutrients for healthy growth and a better harvest.
Fertilising and Watering
For fertilising before planting add compost into the soil to fertilise the plantation. However, then according to the guide mentioned package, kick start fertilising the lettuce with rich nitrogen fertiliser after three weeks of planting so that you can maintain healthy growth of the plants. Additionally, water your lettuce to maintain consistent soil moisture. Water whenever you feel the top inch of soil seems dry to the touch.
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Harvesting
Usually, after 6-8 weeks of planting the seeds, you can harvest the delicious goodness of your lettuce plants. Use scissors to cut from the edges of the plant. You can also try grabbing the base of the plant and cutting about an inch and a half above it with a sharp knife. This will leave the growing point intact so new leaves can emerge.
