Growing lettuce in your backyard - naturally

Growing lettuce in your backyard.

There are many types of lettuce varieties available. You can get seedlings or seeds for many varieties at your local nursery.

Seedlings have shorter harvest time, while seeds require more water. Pick according to your requirements.

There are many ways to classify lettuce types. Two ways of classification are – cold or warm weather, or by taste. There are a few things to keep in mind when growing lettuce:

• Lettuce will grow on most soil types, but they must be well drained (moist, not soggy).
• Soil acidity must be between pH 6.0 and pH 7.0. if it is below pH 6.0, add lime to your soil to increase pH
• Temperature must not exceed 28°C for warm weather varieties
• No variety can withstand heavy frost.
• Leave 18 inches between the rows for leaf lettuce and 24 inches for other varieties

With all varieties, keep in mind they have shallow root systems. Plant them in ½ an inch of soil, and water them regularly,

You should harvest your lettuce when it is young and full – old lettuce tastes woody.

Talk to your local nursery for any further help.