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For Thriving Lettuce Plants, Avoid These Gardening Mistakes
By EZEKIEL MAINA
Poor Timing
Planting lettuce in the summer, a season unsuitable for this cool-season vegetable, can lead to premature growth, bitter leaves, and increased vulnerability to pests.
Wrong Soil
Lettuce favors well-draining soil with organic matter, like compost, and planting it in poorly-drained soil can lead to lackluster growth and a scant harvest.
Wrong Depth
Planting lettuce seeds deeper than ¼ to ½ an inch below the soil can impede germination, as they require sunlight to push through the soil within a depth of 1 centimeter.
Bad Spacing
Plant lettuce seeds 8-12 inches apart to prevent restricted air circulation and avoid competition for resources, as this can hinder their growth and invite diseases.
Water Amount
Overwatering your lettuce can disrupt the soil and disorient its tender roots, leading to suffocation and root rot, while underwatering may induce plant stress.
Generally, ensure your lettuce gets at least 2 inches of water weekly, or ideally, water when the upper inch of soil feels dry for optimal plant growth.