Square foot gardening is an efficient method to maximize harvest, increase plant diversity, and reduce weeds. It’s perfect for growing lettuce, which thrives in well-spaced plots. We’ve experimented with this garden method for several years and lettuce is always one of the main crops that thrive in a square foot garden.
Below you can see the details of lettuce square foot garden spacing and some tips for maximizing lettuce growth.
Read more about square foot gardening.
Looking for more about starting a garden or other garden methods?
- 12 Amazing Garden Styles and Gardening Methods to Skyrocket Your Harvest
- Understanding Permaculture
- Gardening in Raised Beds
- Organic and Traditional Garden Method
- Using Hugelkultur Raised Beds
Contents
Quick Look at Lettuce Square Foot Garden Stats
Number of Lettuce Plants/Square: 4 plants
Growing Tips: Keep soil consistently moist and use shade cloth in hot climates to prevent bolting.
Lettuce Soil and pH: Use high-quality, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Planting: Direct seed in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. I like to continue planting seeds after I harvest for a continuous supply of lettuce.
Lettuce Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and cutworms. To manage these pests, consider using insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Diseases: Be vigilant for common lettuce diseases such as downy mildew, leaf spot, and lettuce drop. To reduce the risk of disease, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and practice crop rotation.
Harvesting
When to Harvest: Harvest lettuce when it reaches the desired size and before it begins to bolt. Regularly picking leaves can extend the harvest period.
Signs of Maturity: For leaf lettuce, harvest when the leaves are tender and full-sized. For head lettuce, pick when the heads are firm and the leaves are crisp.
Variety Selection
Leaf vs. Head Lettuce: Choose leaf varieties for a continuous harvest and ease of growth. For a more structured harvest, select head lettuce varieties.
Disease Resistance: Opt for varieties that are resistant to common lettuce diseases, such as ‘Butterhead’, ‘Romaine’, or ‘Iceberg’ types, which offer resilience against pests and diseases.
Looking for more resources for growing lettuce? Make sure to check out:
Just straight up homesteading ideas sent directly to you.