10 Easiest Plants to Grow from Seeds (Guide + Tips)

#6 – Lettuce: Endless Salad Supply

You know what completely changed my gardening game? The day I discovered I could grow lettuce year-round! After spending way too much money on those sad, wilted grocery store greens, I decided to experiment with continuous lettuce growing. Now my students call me the “Salad Queen” – and I’m about to share all my leafy green secrets with you!

The Magic of Cut-and-Come-Again

Here’s my foolproof harvesting technique that keeps lettuce producing for weeks:

• Cut leaves 1-2 inches above soil
• Harvest outer leaves first
• Leave the growing center intact
• Water immediately after cutting
• Return in 10-14 days for next harvest

Indoor Growing Success

Want fresh lettuce even in winter? Here’s my setup:

1. Light Requirements:
   • 6-8 hours of bright light
   • LED grow lights work great
   • Keep lights 2-4 inches above plants
2. Container Needs:
   • 4-6 inches deep
   • Good drainage holes
   • Wide rather than deep
   • Self-watering containers work great

Temperature Secrets for Perfect Lettuce

Let me share what I’ve learned about optimal growing conditions:

• Ideal temperature: 60-65°F
• Will tolerate down to 45°F
• Protect from temperatures above 75°F
• Provide afternoon shade in summer
• Use shade cloth when needed

Variety Selection: My Top Performers

After countless trials, these varieties never disappoint:

For Heat Resistance:

• ‘Buttercrunch’ – Never bitter
• ‘Summer Crisp’ – Stays sweet
• ‘Red Sails’ – Beautiful and tasty

For Cold Season:

• ‘Winter Density’ – Super hardy
• ‘Arctic King’ – True to its name
• ‘Merlot’ – Gorgeous purple leaves

Extending Your Growing Season

Here are my tried-and-true methods for year-round harvests:

1. Succession Planting:
   • Sow new seeds every 2 weeks
   • Plant small amounts often
   • Mix varieties for interest
2. Season Extension Tools:
   • Cold frames (my favorite!)
   • Row covers for protection
   • Mini hoop tunnels
   • Floating row covers

Troubleshooting Common Issues

These solutions have saved countless lettuce crops:

• Prevent bolting with shade cloth
• Control slugs with coffee grounds
• Avoid leaf burn by harvesting morning
• Bottom water to prevent disease
• Thin seedlings for air circulation

Ready to add some beautiful blooms to your garden? Click that next button to discover the magic of zinnias! These colorful beauties are about to become your new favorite cutting flowers. Wait until you see how easily they attract butterflies and create a rainbow in your garden. Plus, I’ll share my secret for getting them to bloom non-stop all summer long!

Want to create a stunning cutting garden? The next section about zinnias will transform your garden into a flower lover’s paradise!