Letting soil dry out
Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.
Lactuca sativa
Lettuce
Spring & Fall & Winter4–10 days to 30–55 days to harvestPartial SunContainer friendly
Leaf lettuce is one of the friendliest first crops. Harvest a few outer leaves at a time and the center can keep growing.
SpringFallWinter
01 / Overview
A friendly first look
Leaf lettuce is one of the friendliest first crops. Harvest a few outer leaves at a time and the center can keep growing.
Gardens do not run on exact clocks. The timing here is a useful estimate; weather, temperature, and variety all get a vote.
02 / When to plant
Give it the right kind of day
Lettuce does best in Spring and Fall and Winter. Cool soil and mild days help this crop settle in. Check your local before deciding on a week.
SunPartial SunWaterKeep soil consistently moist, especially in shallow containers.SoilCool, loose soil enriched with compost.
03 / Growth timeline
From seed to supper
1
Seed
Day 0Start with fresh seed.
2
Germination
4–10 daysKeep the soil gently moist.
3
Sprout
1–2 weeksThe first leaves appear.
4
Seedling
2–4 weeksTrue leaves begin growing.
5
Mature plant
VariesGrowth becomes fuller and stronger.
6
Harvest
30–55 daysLook for the crop-specific signs below.
04 / Ready to harvest
How to know it’s ready
- Outer leaves are 4–6 inches long
- Leaves feel crisp
- The center is still growing
- Harvest before a tall flower stalk appears
05 / How to harvest
A gentle, simple harvest
- 1
Choose the largest outer leaves.
- 2
Cut them an inch above the soil.
- 3
Leave the small center leaves untouched.
06 / Beginner mistakes
Small course corrections
Crowding seedlings
Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.
Growing through hot weather
Notice it early, adjust gently, and keep going. Plants are excellent teachers.
07 / Care notes
Your quick care checklist
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Moist soil
- Thin crowded seedlings
- Harvest in the morning
Common problems
Bitter leaves usually mean heat or bolting.
Slugs may chew ragged holes overnight.
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