Vegetable Gardening - Lettuce Growing Tips
by: DaveTruman |
Total views: 3 |
Word Count: 444 |
View PDF | Print View
Share This Article
There's nothing better than a salad made with fresh lettuce from the garden. Adding lettuce to your garden can be a welcome addition. Not only is healthy and tasty to eat but it needs very little space to grow. But there are some guidelines you should know before planting lettuce.
As with all vegetable gardening, good soil is a must. Keep the nitrogen level high by the use of a good 30-10-10 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) fertilizer. That gives them lots of nutrition for producing healthy leaves.
When planting lettuce seeds make sure they are planted 1/8-3/8 inch deep, separated by 6-12 inches (2-3.5 m) from the next plant. Romaine lettuce can be planted closer together but other crisp lettuce need more space. If you plant in rows, keep the rows separated by about 20 inches (6m).
The roots of lettuce do not grow very deep so it is important to weed often. Many other grasses and plants with deeper root growth can invade the lettuce.
Since lettuce lacks deep root growth it has to find moisture near the surface. Therefore it is important to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Try to keep the water off of the leaves and into the soil except for the occasional washing. Wet leaves especially during nighttime temperatures can lead to disease.
Like any other vegetable, lettuce plants have problems with diseases and pests. Many insects enjoy the lettuce leaves and the folds of the leaves also offer many places for fungi to grow.
Aphids, flea beetles, leafhoppers, slugs and cutworms are common insects that feast on lettuce. Washing the leaves with a high-pressure hose can temporally help get rid of the insects. Insecticide lightly applied to the lettuce will provide better long-term control.
Anthracnose (Microdochium panattonianum) is a common fungal disease. It can stay alive in unplanted soil for many years, so don't assume you're safe because your garden is new. Bottom rot (Rhizoctonia solani) is another common fungus. It occurs usually in soil that drains poorly. Keeping the foliage dry and planting in good soil will help to reduce the odds of being infected.
Bolting is a common problem with lettuce, and it isn't a disease or pest, though it can be worsened by them. It occurs when the plant goes to seed and the leaves stop growing. Lettuce likes cool weather and bolting is more common when the temperatures are consistently too high. Keeping the plants shaded will help. One way to do that is to plant a shading crop, like corn, over the lettuce.
Lettuce is a wonderful vegetable to have in your garden. With proper preparation and care, you can enjoy salads with fresh lettuce throughout the growing season.
Share This Article
Rating: Not yet rated Next Article - Vegetable Gardening - Fertilization & Irrigation Tips and Previous Article - Solar Yard Lights: Eco-Friendly and Energy Saving
About the Author
Looking for creative ideas for your garden layout? Search no more - visit the Vegetable Gardeners website at http://www.vegetablegardeners.com for lots of helpful tips and advice. Get your own copy of our free reports for growing better vegetables.
Comments
No comments posted.Add Comment
Popular Articles about: Gardening
1: What Does The Easter Lily Symbolize?2: 5 Accessories All Model Railroads Should Have
3: The Perfect Skid Steer Attachment For Your Job Site.
4: Chainsaw Comparison Made Easy
5: Growing Vegetables In A Small Area
6: Landscaping A Hilly Backyard
7: Spiders, Pothos And Peace Lily - Pollution Fighters For Home
8: 5 Vegetable Garden Designs
9: Meaning of Yellow Roses
10: Indoor Lemon Trees - A Fragrant Addition To Your Home
11: Indoor Fruit Trees - Easy Care And Enjoyable
12: Planting Fruit Trees For Your Garden
13: Easter Gift Ideas
14: Extreme Basics Of Indoor Gardening
15: Factors Affecting Seasonal and Lighting effect of indoor Gardening
16: Taking Care of your Wood Furniture
17: Newbie’s tips for buying garden furniture at fair cost
18: 5 Ways to Make a Beautiful Backyard
19: Growing Classic House Plants - Nature's Art
20: Indoor Citrus Trees: 5 Tips For A Healthy Vibrant Tree
21: Do You Love Feeding Hummingbirds? Learn How to Attract More Now!
22: Diagnose And Treat Plant Problems Easily
23: Rules To Plant By - Being Your Own Plant Expert
24: How I turned my garden into paradise.
25: How To Get Information About Backyard Designs
26: Secrets Of Growing Amazing Heirloom Tomatoes
27: How To Plan For Shrubs In Your Garden
28: Winter Care For Your Indoor Fruit Tree
29: You Can Grow These Fruits Indoors
30: Tips for Garden Landscaping & Garden Buildings