There’s nothing quite like freshly picked lettuce. It’s crisper, more flavorful, and far more satisfying than anything you’ll find at the store. Even better, it’s one of the easiest crops to grow, making it perfect for beginners and a sure sign that spring has arrived.

How to Plant

Lettuce is incredibly easy to grow from seed. Most varieties prefer cool weather, ideally below 75–80°F, and germinate best when soil temperatures are between 55 and 65°F. That makes early spring and fall the perfect planting windows. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced 12 inches apart, then thin seedlings to about 4 inches apart once they sprout.

For a continuous harvest, plant new seeds every 10 to 14 days.

When to Water

Active senior woman with blonde dreadlocks is watering seedlings of curled lettuce in her organic garden.
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Because lettuce has shallow roots, it needs consistent moisture. Water every 2 to 3 days, or more often in warm weather, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water at the base of the plant to avoid splashing soil onto the leaves. A light layer of mulch, such as straw or hay, helps retain moisture and reduce how often you need to water.

Keep It Bright

Lettuce grows best with about 6 hours of sunlight per day. In warmer climates, a bit of afternoon shade can help prevent stress and extend the growing season.

Enjoy the Harvest

For a longer harvest, pick outer leaves as needed, leaving the center intact so the plant continues to grow. You can also harvest the entire plant by cutting it just above the growing point when it reaches about 4 to 6 inches tall, though this will give you a single harvest.

Beat the Heat

Translucent covering positioned in front of a window with plants visible.
Charlyne Mattox for Country Living
Since it’s already 85ºF where I live, this is my makeshift sun protector for lettuce and delicate herbs.

As temperatures rise, lettuce will bolt, sending up a flower stalk and turning the leaves bitter. To extend your harvest into warmer weather, use shade cloth or plant in a spot that gets afternoon shade.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Lettuce

  1. Planting Too Late in the Season
    Lettuce struggles in heat. If you plant too late in spring, rising temperatures can cause it to bolt quickly and turn bitter.
  2. Letting the Soil Dry Out
    Even short dry spells can stress lettuce and affect flavor. Keep soil consistently moist to avoid tough or bitter leaves.
  3. Overcrowding Seedlings
    It’s tempting to let everything grow, but crowded plants compete for water and nutrients. Thinning them out early leads to healthier, fuller heads.