PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Romaine lettuce, known for its crisp texture and sweet flavor, is a staple in salads and sandwiches. It’s a cool-season crop that thrives in mild temperatures, making it perfect for spring and fall gardening. Growing your own romaine lettuce is rewarding and ensures you have fresh, healthy greens right at your fingertips. This guide will help you cultivate robust, flavorful romaine lettuce with ease.

• Best Time to Plant:

  Romaine lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, so it’s best to plant it in early spring or late summer. For a spring harvest, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date and transplant seedlings outdoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. For a fall harvest, direct sow seeds in the garden about 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost.

• Soil Type:

  Romaine lettuce thrives in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and improve soil structure. Lettuce also benefits from a soil that retains moisture but is not waterlogged.

• Spacing:

  Proper spacing ensures healthy growth and prevents overcrowding. Sow seeds or transplant seedlings 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in rows that are 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. If you’re growing romaine in a raised bed or smaller garden, you can slightly reduce the spacing but ensure there is enough room for airflow.

CARE TIPS

• Watering:

  Consistent moisture is key for growing tender, crisp lettuce. Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy. Aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.

• Fertilizing:

  Romaine lettuce is a relatively light feeder but can benefit from additional nutrients. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at planting time and then once or twice during the growing season. Alternatively, side-dress with compost or organic fertilizers to provide a steady nutrient supply.

• Pruning:

  Pruning is not typically necessary for lettuce, but you should remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. This also helps the plant direct more energy towards healthy leaf production.

HARVESTING

• When to Harvest:

  Romaine lettuce is usually ready to harvest 60-70 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest the heads when they are firm and have reached a size of about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall. The outer leaves should be crisp and dark green.

• How to Harvest:

  Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the head from the base of the plant, just above the soil level. Alternatively, you can harvest individual outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more leaves.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Common Issues:

  •Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking plant juices and causing stunted growth.

  •Slugs and Snails: These pests chew holes in leaves and can severely damage young plants.

  •Downy Mildew: A fungal disease causing yellow patches on leaves, which eventually turn brown and die.

• Solutions:

  •Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphid populations. Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which prey on aphids.

  •Slugs and Snails: Use organic slug pellets or create barriers with diatomaceous earth. Handpick slugs and snails in the evening when they are most active.

  •Downy Mildew: Ensure proper spacing for good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicides if necessary and remove affected plant debris.