When to plant
A cool-season crop. Plant in early spring (4–6 weeks before last frost) and again in late summer for fall harvest. Lettuces bolt (go to seed) in temperatures above 24°C consistently. Use shade cloth to extend the season into early summer. Perfect for autumn gardens.
Soil & site
Lettuce has shallow roots and prefers loose, friable, moisture-retentive soil rich in nitrogen. Work in compost. pH 6.0–7.0. Lettuce can be grown in poor soil better than most vegetables but will produce bitter, small leaves without adequate fertility.
Feeding
A nitrogen-rich fertilizer (blood meal, fish emulsion, or 10-5-5) applied every 3–4 weeks keeps lettuce growing fast and tender. Fast growth = sweeter, more tender leaves. Slow growth from poor fertility = bitter, tough leaves.
Common problems
Tip burn (brown leaf edges from calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering — keep soil evenly moist). Slugs and snails are the biggest pest — use copper tape, diatomaceous earth, or beer traps. Aphids cluster inside loose heads — rinse leaves well before eating. Downy mildew in wet, humid conditions.
When to harvest
Loose-leaf varieties are ready when outer leaves are 10–15 cm long. Head lettuces are ready when the head feels firm and dense. Harvest before the plant sends up a central flower stalk (bolting) — bolted leaves are bitter.
How to harvest
For loose-leaf varieties, use the "cut-and-come-again" method: harvest outer leaves with scissors, leaving the inner growing point intact. The plant will continue producing for weeks. For head lettuces, cut the entire head at soil level with a knife. In cool weather, the stump will often re-sprout a second smaller head.
Storage & use
Wash and spin dry harvested leaves, then wrap in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag in the refrigerator. Lasts 5–7 days. Living heads pulled from the garden keep longer than pre-cut leaves. Never freeze fresh lettuce.
Companion planting
Radishes act as a trap crop for flea beetles, protecting lettuce.
Useful for growing lettuce
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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