12 Tips for Growing Lettuce in Containers from Seed to Salad

2024-04-09
12 Tips for Growing Lettuce in Containers from Seed to Salad

Almost any type of lettuce can grow in containers, which is convenient for urban or small-space gardeners who don’t have room for in-ground gardens. Lettuces are perfect for containers placed on decks, patios, balconies, and porches. Growing in containers also gives you control over the soil, light, and water conditions. Whether you’re a newbie gardener or a pro with plenty of experience growing veggies, these expert tips will help you grow lettuce in containers.

1. Match the Lettuce Type to the Container

Ideally, you want a wide, shallow container to grow lettuce. Leaf lettuce can grow in smaller containers than head lettuce. For leaf lettuce, you need a container at least 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep. To grow head lettuce, you need a container that’s 16 inches wide and 12 to 16 inches deep.

Lettuce has shallow roots so you don’t need a deep container to grow it. However, a deeper container helps the roots hold moisture longer, so you don’t have to water as frequently.

2. For a Faster Harvest, Grow Leaf Lettuce

You can clip off leaves of leaf lettuce as you need them, but you have to wait for a head of lettuce to grow before you can make it into a salad. Leaf lettuce is ready to eat at any size, and you can pick baby leaves for tender salads.

3. Don’t Plant Lettuce Seeds too Deep

Lettuce seeds are tiny and delicate. Plant them just ¼ to ½ inch deep, or they will struggle to reach the surface and grow. The best way to plant lettuce seeds is to sprinkle them over the top of the soil in the container and cover them with a fine layer of potting soil.

Start with lettuce transplants for a speedier harvest. Because lettuce grows fast, you can begin snipping leaves to eat as soon as three weeks after planting.

4. Choose the Right Soil

Lettuce thrives in nitrogen-rich, well-draining soil. Use a pre-mixed potting soil designed specifically for container gardening or mix up your own potting mix. Compost is the magic ingredient for growing lettuce in containers. It adds nutrients, encourages lettuce to produce more foliage, and discourages pests and diseases. Mix in a scoop or two of compost before planting your lettuce.

5. Plant Lettuce When Temperatures Are Mild

Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring or fall. A hard freeze kills lettuce, and hot weather (over 75°F) causes it to bolt or go to seed. Once lettuce bolts, it stops putting energy into growing leaves—the part of the plant we typically eat—and instead makes flowers and seeds.

6. Water Regularly

Lettuce needs consistent moisture to have tender, sweet leaves. Too little water can result in tough, bitter lettuce. Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out.

7. Fertilize Every Other Week

Feed your lettuce with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Fertilizer provides the plant with the nitrogen it needs to keep producing tender leaves. However, there can be too much of a good thing, so always follow label directions for your fertilizer of choice or you might end up burning your plants.

8. Harvest Leaf Lettuce Every Few Days

Frequently harvesting lettuce encourages the plant to keep growing new leaves. Use sharp scissors to cut the largest, oldest leaves from the plants. Pick lettuce leaves in the morning when they have the highest water content.

9. Get the Light Right

Lettuce needs at least five to six hours of sun a day, but unlike other veggies, it can tolerate some shade. It’s a delicate, leafy crop, so the afternoon sun can wilt it. The beauty of container gardening is that you can move your little lettuce garden to a spot where it gets the perfect amount of light.

10. Add Companion Plants

Companion plants help lettuce grow better by repelling damaging insects. Plant chives, cilantro, and garlic in the same container as lettuce, and they act as a barrier plant against aphids. Mint repels slugs. You also benefit from fresh herbs to go along with your fresh lettuce.

11. Look Out for Pests

Aphids and slugs are lettuce’s top enemies. Check your plants at least once a week for these lettuce-eating pests or signs they’ve been chewing on your crop. If you spot them, spray the plants with neem oil to get rid of aphids, and pluck slugs off your plants by hand, then drop them in a bucket of soapy water.

12. Keep Planting New Lettuce

For a continuous supply of fresh lettuce throughout the growing season, plant new seeds or new transplants every three to four weeks to replace harvested and older plants. Do this by planting new containers or pulling out tired, spent lettuce plants and replacing them with new ones.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.