How to Grow Lettuce

Tips on Growing Lettuce
by: Marilyn Pokorney

Lettuce is an easy-to-grow spring and autumn vegetable. Its two worst enemies are hot temperatures and slugs.

Here are some tips to grow lettuce all summer long, even when temperatures soar.

* Make sure soil contains a good supply of nitrogen for good leaf production.

* Make early plantings in full sun.

* Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep in a wide row, 6 inches apart in all directions.

* Plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest all summer long.

* As the weather warms up, start planting in partial shade, either on the side of the house that receives morning sun or in the shade of other taller plants such as corn or broccoli.

* Keep weeds under control as lettuce has shallow roots and can't compete with deep rooted weeds.

* Keep soil moist but not wet. Water at the base of the plant and not the leaves. Wet leaves encourage disease.

* Aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, leafhoppers and leaf miners are some of the insects that attack lettuce, but slugs are the most notorious for loving lettuce.

* Avoid pesticides as lettuce leaves are very tender and delicate and can absorb many insecticides. An insecticidal soap or handpicking usually alleviates the majority of lettuce pests.

* In order to avoid slugs, avoid mulching lettuce.

For more tips on how to control slugs on lettuce and in the entire garden visit: www.apluswriting.net/garden/slugs.htm

About the author: Marilyn Pokorney is a freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. www.apluswriting.net