Lettuce

Lettuce is more than just salad filler—it’s one of the most diverse and rewarding leafy greens you can grow at home. Over 30 years of vegetable gardening has taught me that understanding the types of lettuce makes planting, caring for, and harvesting easier and more productive. This guide breaks down the five main types of…

Lettuce is a cool-weather crop that thrives in early spring and fall, but with the right timing and strategy, you can grow it nearly year-round in many regions. This planting calendar breaks down when to plant lettuce by season and by USDA growing zone—so you can sow seeds at the right time for the best…

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall, but when the temperature climbs or days lengthen, lettuce can suddenly bolt—sending up a flower stalk and turning bitter almost overnight. As someone who has grown lettuce year-round in the fluctuating microclimate of Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned firsthand how to delay bolting and stretch…

Lettuce is a rewarding crop for gardeners at every level—fast to grow, easy to harvest, and perfect for repeat sowing. But to get the most out of each planting, you need to match your care routine to the stage of growth and the season. After growing lettuce year-round for more than 30 years—in raised beds,…

Lettuce is a fast-growing, shallow-rooted crop that thrives in rich, well-fed soil. While it doesn’t need heavy feeding like tomatoes or corn, the right fertilizer at the right time can make all the difference in leaf size, color, texture, and taste. After more than 30 years of growing lettuce in raised beds, containers, and under…

Watering is one of the most important factors in growing healthy, flavorful lettuce. Too little water and your lettuce will become bitter and bolt early. Too much water and you risk root rot or disease. After more than 30 years of growing lettuce in raised beds, containers, and even indoors, I’ve learned that consistent, moderate…