Essential Information
Lettuce , a staple in many salad and sandwiches , is often associate with lovesome weather gardening . However , with the correct techniques , you could enjoy fresh , homegrown lettuceeven during the chilly winter months . This comprehensive scout will allow you with everything you need to know about how togrow lettuceduring winter , insure a liberal harvest throughout the cold season .
Choosing Winter Lettuce Varieties
Not alllettuce varietiesare suited forwinter cultivation . Opt for cold - liberal varieties that can hold freezing temperatures and shorter daylight hours . Here are some recommended wintertime lettuce varieties :
Preparing the Soil
right soil preparation is essential forsuccessful wintertime lettuce cultivation . Amend your soil with plenty oforganic matter , such as compost or manure , toimprove drainageand rankness . The grunge pH should be between 6.0 and 6.8 .
Sowing Seeds or Planting Transplants
you could start clams seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the first expected frost . Sow seeds thinly inseed trays filledwith ejaculate - start mixing . Germination typically go on within 7 - 10 day . Alternatively , you canpurchase lettuce transplantsfrom alocal glasshouse . Choose salubrious , sturdy plantswith well - develop theme system .
Planting Lettuce
Once the soil temperature has reach 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) , you cantransplant lettuce seedlingsorsow seeds directlyin the garden . place plants 6 - 12 column inch aside , depending on the variety . Water deeply after found .
Providing Protection from Cold
simoleons plants cantolerate light frosts , butprolonged freezing temperaturescan harm or kill them . Considerproviding protectionduring the coldest months .
Watering and Fertilizing
Water lettuce plants on a regular basis , specially duringdry turn . Avoid overwatering , assoggy soilcan lead to root rot . Fertilize lettuce flora every few week with abalanced liquified fertilizer dilutedto half military posture .
Harvesting Lettuce
Lettuce is typically quick to glean 45 - 60 day after planting . Cut the leave off at the base of the plant with asharp tongue . Store lettuce in a cool , moist placeto go its ledge life-time .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Winter Lettuce as a Companion Plant
Lettuce make agreat familiar plantfor other wintertime vegetables , such as spinach , kale , and Brassica oleracea italica . Itattracts beneficial insectsand helps suppress weeds .
Final Note: Reap the Benefits of Winter Lettuce
grow shekels during wintertime is a rewarding endeavor that provides reinvigorated , nutritious greensthroughout thecold season . By following the technique draft in this scout , you’re able to bask abountiful harvestof wintertime moolah and append a touch of novelty to your winter meal .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : Can Igrow lettucein a greenhouse during winter?A : Yes , greenhouses provide anideal environmentfor acquire loot during wintertime byprotecting plantsfromcold temperaturesand lead the growing season . Q : How often should Iwater lettuce plantsin winter?A : Water lettuce works regularly , especially during dry spells . Avoid overwatering , assoggy soilcan lead to root rot . Q : What are the bestcompanion plantsfor wintertime lettuce?A : Lettuce makes agreat companion plantfor other wintertime vegetables , such as spinach , kale , and broccoli . Itattracts beneficial insectsand aid inhibit weeds .
