Lettuce in Containers

Why grow lettuce in a pot? In my case it is because the snails and slugs will not let me enjoy fresh, tender lettuce, straight from the garden. For some reason, they have not yet discovered it when grown with this method. Another reason is that it is weed free, making a cut-and-come-again harvest a snap. Still another benefit is that you may move them around as the seasons change. More sun in the spring, more shade in the summer. In many areas lettuce may be grown most of the year this way.

The cut-and-come-again harvest is really the key to this type of planting. Here is how you do it:

Step 1
Plant a blend of leaf lettuce varieties in a wide terra-cotta planter filled with potting mix.
I used Renee's Garden Baby Mesclun Mix, but many other brands are available.
Spread the seeds only about 1/2 inch apart, and cover with about 1/4 inch fine soil or potting mix.
Water with a mister, keeping soil evenly moist until seeds are established.

Step 2
After plants are about 4 to 5 inches tall, you may harvest.
Using a sharp pair of scissors, trim the lettuce leaves about 1 inch above the soil.

Step 3
Continue to keep the soil evenly moist.
In about 2 weeks, repeat step 2.
You may expect to harvest at least 2 or three times from each planting.

If you plant two containers and harvest one this week, the other next week, you can get about half gallon of lettuce a week. If you plant a third planter before the first one dies out, you will hardly skip a harvest.

More Gardening Help

Planting Chart
The Top 10 Best Companion Plants
How to Grow Lettuce and Cool Weather Greens
Lettuce & Mixed Salad Green
Growing Lettuce

 

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