When it comes to growing butterhead lettuce, you’ve got options: you can start your seeds indoors or sow them directly into the garden. If you’re eager to get going, you can actually start quite early in the season. Here’s the lowdown on how to get your lettuce patch started and how to keep those little seedlings happy.
Mastering the Art of Sowing Lettuce
If you’re like me and can’t wait for gardening season, you can start your lettuce seeds indoors as early as February. Once the threat of frost has passed, they’ll be ready to move to their permanent home outside. Starting early means you could be tossing your first homegrown salad by May! Of course, if you’re not in a rush, you can skip the indoor phase and sow seeds directly into the ground once the weather warms up. Just play it safe and wait until after the last spring frost (usually mid-May in many areas) before planting outside.
Before you get planting, give your soil a little TLC. Lettuce loves ground that is loose and well-draining. Grab a spade or a hoe and loosen things up a bit. For a real nutrient boost, I recommend mixing in a few quarts of fresh compost. It’s also a great idea to moisten the soil slightly before you even put the seeds in.
When you’re ready to plant, use your finger to poke small holes about 10 inches (25 cm) apart. Drop your seeds in and cover them with just a light dusting of soil. Give them a gentle watering—be careful not to wash away the seeds or the soil! From here on out, the golden rule is to keep the soil consistently moist. If those seeds dry out, they won’t germinate.
It’s All About the Variety
Not all lettuce is created equal! There are tons of different varieties to choose from. Early-season types are perfect for starting in February and harvesting in May. On the flip side, late-season varieties are sown in the summer for a crisp fall harvest. If you’re savvy with your timing and mix up your varieties, you can keep a steady supply of greens coming almost all year long. Imagine crossing lettuce off your grocery list for good!
Keep in mind that early varieties are cool-weather fans; they can handle a light frost but don’t love the heat. Mid-season and late varieties are much more heat-tolerant and can stand up to the summer sun. And hey, if you don’t have a backyard garden, don’t sweat it! Lettuce grows beautifully in containers on a balcony or patio. You can find more tips on container gardening right here.
