Lettuce Blend Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Lettuce Blend Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Lettuce

Planting Schedule:
Begin sowing seeds three weeks before the last frost and continue until summer's end for a steady lettuce supply. Use a cloche or heavy row cover for frost protection in fall. In mild winters, lettuce mixes can grow throughout the season.


Seed Starting:
Choose a sunny spot and loosen the soil. Plant seeds in blocks or wide rows, scattering them about 1cm (½ inch) apart over moist soil. Cover them lightly with soil and press gently. A 12m (40 feet) row, 7cm (3 inches) wide, needs just 4 grams of seeds, so use them sparingly. Select pots at least 10cm (4 inches) deep for container gardening and avoid overcrowding.


Growing:
Lettuce thrives in moderately fertile soil. Enrich the soil with 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer for every 3m (10 feet) row, or use a peat or coir-based mix with added compost for containers. Regular watering is essential for steady growth. After harvesting, a light application of kelp or fish-based fertilizer can encourage further growth.


Harvesting:
Harvest your lettuce in two ways: cut the entire plant 2-5cm (1-2 inches) from the ground when it reaches 10-15cm (3-4 inches) tall, or pick individual leaves as needed. Initial cuttings may yield more brassicas, but subsequent growth will balance out. Expect a second harvest within 2-3 weeks, ensuring a continuous bounty of fresh greens.

Lettuce Pests & Diseases

Flea Beetles:
Choose resistant plant varieties to prevent flea beetle infestations, keep your garden clean, and use floating row covers. Crop rotation can also help. Applying diatomaceous earth can deter them, while neem oil and pyrethrin-based insecticides are effective treatments. Use organic options as a last resort to preserve beneficial insect populations.


Slugs:
Combatting slugs involves clearing garden debris and drip irrigation to dry the soil. Use copper tape or sharp materials like crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth to create barriers. Beer traps can lure and drown slugs, while handpicking them during the evening can also help. Use iron phosphate-based baits c in severe cases, but apply them only as needed and according to the instructions.