Lettuce Iceberg

Lettuce Iceberg is a crisp and refreshing variety of lettuce commonly used in salads and sandwiches. Growing your own lettuce ensures access to fresh, pesticide-free greens packed with vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy diet.

Preparing for Growing:

1. Selecting a planting location: Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil.
2. Soil preparation: Prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of 6-8 inches and adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
3. Purchasing or preparing containers/pots: If space is limited, lettuce can be grown in containers or raised beds filled with potting mix.

Starting from Seeds Indoors:

1. Seed preparation: No special preparation is required for lettuce seeds.
2. Choosing suitable pots/containers: Use shallow trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.
3. Sowing and caring for seeds indoors: Sow seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide adequate light for germination.
4. Transplanting to larger containers if necessary: Once seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into larger containers or the garden bed.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors:

1. Soil preparation: Prepare a fine seedbed by raking the soil smooth and removing any debris.
2. Selecting appropriate timing and method for outdoor sowing: Sow lettuce seeds directly into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring or late summer for fall harvest.
3. Caring for seeds outdoors: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.

Growing in Containers/Pots:

1. Selecting suitable plants for containers: Choose compact lettuce varieties suitable for container growing, such as Iceberg or Butterhead.
2. Container and soil preparation: Ensure containers have drainage holes and fill them with a high-quality potting mix.
3. Sowing or transplanting plants into containers: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into containers, spacing them according to package instructions.
4. Caring for container plants: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Transplanting to Garden:

1. Soil and planting site preparation: Prepare the garden bed by amending the soil with compost and ensuring proper drainage.
2. Correct timing and method for transplanting: Transplant lettuce seedlings when they have 3-4 true leaves, spacing them 8-12 inches apart.
3. Post-transplant care: Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Provide shade during hot summer afternoons.

Plant Care:

1. Watering: Lettuce requires consistent moisture to prevent bitterness and bolting. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
2. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
3. Weeding: Keep the garden bed or container free of weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
4. Pest and disease management: Monitor for pests such as aphids and slugs, and diseases like downy mildew and lettuce rot. Use organic pest control methods as needed.

Harvesting:

1. Determining when plants are ready for harvest: Harvest lettuce when heads are firm and fully formed, typically 70-90 days after planting.
2. Harvesting and storage guidelines: Cut lettuce heads at the base with a sharp knife. Rinse and dry the heads thoroughly before storing them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

• USDA Zones 3-7: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date or sow seeds directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• USDA Zones 8-10: Lettuce can be grown year-round in these zones, but avoid planting during the hottest months.

Fast Facts:

• Planting depth: 1/4 inch
• Seed spacing: 1/2 inch
• Plant spacing: 8-12 inches
• Number of seeds per pot/container: 4-6 seeds per pot, thinning to the strongest seedlings
• Water preferences: Evenly moist soil
• Sun preferences: Partial shade to full sun
• Soil type and other important factors: Well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
• Companion Planting: Lettuce grows well with carrots, radishes, and herbs like chives and dill.
• Temperature Preference: Cool-season crop, prefers temperatures between 60-70°F.
• Days to Germination: 7-14 days
• Days to Harvest: 50-70 days after planting.