As an avid nurseryman , I can assure you that it is not too recent to plant lettuce now . Lettuce is a various and tight - rise vegetable that can be inseminate like a shot alfresco from early bound until former summer . This entail that you still have plenty of metre to enjoy a fresh and delicious harvest of lettuce this time of year .
When it come to lettuce , timing is of import . It thrives in cool conditions , so it ’s sound to avoid planting during the scorching heat of summer . However , if you live in a neighborhood with meek summers or have a suspect spot in your garden , you could still plant lettuce even in the belated part of summer . Just verify to cater some shade or use quarrel cover version to protect the untested plant from overweening rut .
To get start , prepare your soil by dispatch any weeds and loosening it with a garden fork or tiller . Lettuce prefers well - drained land that is full-bodied in organic matter . you’re able to amend your dirt with compost or well - rotted manure to better its fertility and wet retention .
Next , decide on the variety of lettuce you need to turn . There are numerous type to choose from , including crisphead , romaine lettuce , butterhead , and lax - folio lettuce . Each has its own alone feeling and grain , so nibble the ones that suit your preference .
Once you have select your simoleons mixed bag , it ’s sentence to sow the ejaculate . you could either scatter them directly on the grime surface or make shallow crease and sow the seeds thinly . Cover the seeds with a tenuous layer of soil and softly water them in . Keep the soil systematically moist but not waterlogged to ensure good sprouting .
As the lettuce seedlings emerge , thin them out to supply decent infinite for each plant to produce . This is important to prevent overcrowding , which can lead to competition for nutrients and increase susceptibleness to disease . Aim for a spacing of about 6 - 8 inches between plants .
In term of care , lettuce is a relatively low - maintenance craw . Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering , as this can cause decompose . Regularly check for any mark of pests or disease , such as aphids or fungous infections , and take appropriate measures to control them . Applying constituent pestis control method or using familiar planting technique can help keep these issues at bay tree .
harvest home lolly is a joy , as you could start picking the out leaves when they achieve a suitable size . This allows the inner leaf to continue growing , ensuring a continuous harvest throughout the season . Remember to wash the lettuce thoroughly before consuming it to murder any dirt or insects .
In my personal experience , I have successfully planted kale in recent summer and enjoyed a bountiful harvest well into the fall . The key is to allow the correct growing atmospheric condition and pay attention to the need of the plants . With a little care and aid , you’re able to still enjoy the crisp and refreshing taste of homegrown lettuce , even if you start constitute now .
So do n’t waver to get out there and sow some scratch seeds . Whether you ’re a veteran gardener or a beginner , it ’s never too belated to grow your own fresh and nutritious lettuce . glad horticulture !
Caroline Bates
