Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most popular and easiest vegetables to grow in a home garden. Known for its crisp texture and mild flavor, lettuce is an essential component of salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Because lettuce grows quickly and prefers cooler weather, it is an excellent vegetable to cultivate in early spring and fall.
The first step in growing lettuce is selecting the right variety. There are two main types of lettuce: leaf lettuce and head lettuce. Leaf lettuces, like Romaine and Butterhead, grow in loose, leafy clusters and mature quickly, while head lettuces, such as Iceberg and Crisphead, form dense heads. Choose a variety suited to your growing season and personal preference.
Lettuce thrives in cool temperatures, with optimal growth occurring between 55°F and 65°F. It can be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. The soil should be well-drained and fertile, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Lettuce is a shallow-rooted plant, so soil with good structure is important to prevent compaction. Adding organic matter such as compost can improve the soil’s texture and fertility.
Lettuce is best grown from seeds, although you can purchase young transplants at garden centers. If you are sowing seeds directly into the garden, plant them 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, and space them about 10-12 inches apart for head lettuce and 6 inches apart for leaf lettuce. If starting indoors, transplant the seedlings into the garden once they have developed a few leaves and the danger of frost has passed.
To encourage fast, healthy growth, lettuce needs consistent moisture. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Lettuce has a shallow root system, so frequent watering is important, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and control weeds, reducing the competition for nutrients.
Lettuce also requires ample sunlight—about 6-8 hours per day—though it can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. If temperatures rise above 75°F, lettuce may bolt (go to seed), leading to a bitter taste. To extend your lettuce harvest, you can plant it in a location that receives afternoon shade during the hotter months.
Harvesting lettuce is easy—simply pick the outer leaves of leaf varieties or cut the entire head of crisphead types once the leaves are fully formed. For continuous harvesting, you can pick leaves as they grow, allowing the inner leaves to continue developing. If you’re growing head lettuce, harvest the entire head once it’s firm and fully grown.
