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Complete Lettuce Growing Guide

Master the art of growing fast, profitable lettuce crops with AI-powered insights

12 lbs
Yield per sq ft
$2.50
Price per lb
30-45
Days to harvest
1 sq ft
Space per plant

🚀 Why Lettuce is Perfect for Beginners

Lettuce is the ultimate beginner-friendly crop, offering quick results and excellent value per square foot. Our AI analysis shows that lettuce can generate $30 per square foot annually with succession planting, making it one of the most profitable crops for small spaces.

🤖 AI Success Factors

Beginner Advantages:

  • • 95% success rate for new gardeners
  • • Fast germination (3-7 days)
  • • Tolerates partial shade
  • • Cool weather preferred
  • • Continuous harvest possible

Value Optimization:

  • • Multiple harvests per season
  • • High yield per square foot
  • • Premium varieties command higher prices
  • • Perfect for succession planting
  • • Excellent container crop

🥬 Best Lettuce Varieties for Value

🏆 High-Value Varieties

Buttercrunch (Boston)

$3-4/lb • Premium texture • Heat tolerant

Perfect for farmers markets

Red Sails

$3-5/lb • Colorful leaves • Slow to bolt

High visual appeal

Oakleaf Lettuce

$4-6/lb • Unique shape • Gourmet variety

Restaurant favorite

Arugula

$6-8/lb • Peppery flavor • Fast growing

Premium salad green

⚡ Fast-Growing Options

Black Seeded Simpson

$2-3/lb • 28 days • Heat tolerant

Reliable producer

Red Romaine

$2.50-3.50/lb • 35 days • Crisp texture

Caesar salad favorite

Mesclun Mix

$8-12/lb • 21 days • Baby greens

Highest value per pound

Spinach

$3-4/lb • 30 days • Nutritious

Cool season champion

📋 Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1

🌱 Soil Preparation

  • • Choose well-draining soil with pH 6.0-7.0
  • • Add 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure
  • • Ensure loose, friable soil texture
  • • Level the planting area and remove debris

💡 Pro Tip: Lettuce has shallow roots - focus on improving the top 6 inches of soil

2

🌿 Planting Strategy

Direct Seeding:

  • • Plant seeds ¼ inch deep
  • • Space seeds 1 inch apart
  • • Thin to 4-6 inches apart
  • • Keep soil consistently moist

Transplanting:

  • • Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks early
  • • Transplant at 3-4 leaf stage
  • • Space transplants 6-8 inches apart
  • • Water gently after transplanting
3

💧 Care & Maintenance

Watering

  • • Keep soil consistently moist
  • • Water early morning
  • • Avoid overhead watering
  • • 1 inch per week

Fertilizing

  • • Light nitrogen fertilizer
  • • Side-dress every 2 weeks
  • • Avoid over-fertilizing
  • • Compost tea works well

Temperature

  • • Prefers 60-70°F
  • • Bolts in hot weather
  • • Use shade cloth in summer
  • • Cold frames extend season
4

✂️ Harvesting Techniques

Cut-and-Come-Again:

  • • Cut outer leaves when 3-4 inches long
  • • Leave center growing point intact
  • • Harvest every 7-10 days
  • • Can get 3-4 harvests per plant

Whole Head Harvest:

  • • Cut entire plant at soil level
  • • Harvest when heads are firm
  • • Best for head lettuce varieties
  • • Replant immediately for succession

🔄 Succession Planting for Maximum Value

🤖 AI Optimization Strategy

Our AI analysis shows that succession planting lettuce every 2 weeks can increase annual yield by 400% compared to single plantings, generating up to $120 per square foot annually.

📅 Planting Schedule

Spring (Mar-May)

Plant every 2 weeks, focus on cool-season varieties

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Heat-tolerant varieties, provide shade, frequent watering

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Resume regular planting, best quality lettuce

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Cold frames, greenhouses, or indoor growing

💰 Value Maximization

Staggered Harvests

Continuous supply for consistent income stream

Variety Mix

Combine fast and premium varieties for optimal returns

Market Timing

Fresh lettuce available when others' gardens are dormant

🚨 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Bolting (Going to Seed)

Cause: Hot weather, long days, stress

Solution: Plant heat-tolerant varieties, provide shade, ensure consistent watering

Bitter Taste

Cause: Heat stress, inconsistent watering, over-maturity

Solution: Harvest earlier, maintain consistent moisture, grow in cooler conditions

Slow Growth

Cause: Poor soil, insufficient light, cold temperatures

Solution: Improve soil with compost, ensure adequate light, use row covers

Pest Issues

Common Pests: Aphids, slugs, cutworms, flea beetles

Solution: Row covers, beneficial insects, organic sprays, good garden hygiene

🧮 Calculate Your Lettuce Garden Value

Use our AI-powered calculator to plan your lettuce succession planting schedule and estimate potential returns. Factor in your space, climate, and growing season for accurate projections.

Plan Your Lettuce Garden →