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Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Vegetable

Lettuce is a cool-season green that grows quickly and can be harvested as cut-and-come-again leaves throughout spring and autumn. It tolerates light shade in summer, which actually extends its season in hot climates.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Water Needs

Moderate

Soil

Rich, moist, well-draining loam; pH 6.0–7.0

Spacing

6–12 inches

Days to Maturity

45–60 days from sowing

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 2–10

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

When to Plant

  • Direct Sow

    4–6 weeks before last frost; again in late summer for autumn harvest

  • Harvest

    45–60 days from sowing; begin cut-and-come-again at 30 days

Organic Growing Tips

  • Sow radishes between lettuce rows as a quick crop and aphid trap.

  • Use diatomaceous earth around seedlings to deter slugs and cutworms.

  • Interplant with tall companions like corn or sunflowers to provide afternoon shade and prevent bolting.

  • Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest through spring and autumn.

Common Pests

  • Slugs
  • Aphids
  • Leaf Miners
  • Cutworms

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.