By Ahmed Esat aesat.56@gmail.com
There is nothing more satisfying than a successful crop of lettuce greens and growing them in a container greatly increases your chance of success. Check out the technique outlined below then watch the video which shows the whole crop from seedling to harvest. You can't fail if you follow this model
Video-Growing Lettuce Leaves in Containers
Growing succulent lettuce greens in a container is a smart move. Those who have experienced garden cultivation will know what I mean. There is nothing worse than losing a successful germination to a host of hungry predators from birds to rodents and caterpillars not to mention slugs. Container growing eliminates this threat because the trough or pot can be moved to a safe location-away from potential dangers.
Secondly, your container can be placed in the best eco-climate where it can receive its optimum climatic requirements. Try doing this in garden cultivation!
Another great advantage is that the container can be moved closer to where it is needed i.e the kitchen and this functionality is a great plus especially for the elderly.
Finally, the physical work requirements are less as the backyard gardener need only focus on a small area that requires no weeding or digging. If the container is placed on a ledge, this will also diminish the need to squat while providing attention to the lettuce greens or during cultivation.
These pots have been placed on a ledge under a tree fern.
Here they receive early morning sun and only filtered sun
during the hottest time of the day.
Special Requirements of Container Cultivation
While the advantages far outweigh the negatives, the vegetable gardener must be aware of the special needs of container cultivation.
The main concern is understanding that the soil in a container dries out rapidly so there must be a strategy in place to overcome this potential hazard.
When fertilising, there also needs to be an awareness of correct dosage. In a container, an error of judgement can rapidly cause plant fatality. In addition, nutrients can be leached downwards quickly and escape via the drainage holes.
Main Requirements of Lettuce and Salad Greens
All lettuce greens will do well in rich well-drained soil enriched with compost or animal manure. They require nitrogen to develop leaves rapidly and this is desirable for taste and continuous supply.
A good way to provide a nitrogen boost is to spray the leaves every 10 days with the correct amount of fish emulsion mixed in water. This is probably the safest way to provide nitrogen without the fear of killing the plants through an overdose. Too much nitrogen is the most lethal danger to any plants.
All the other required nutrients will be provided by the compost or manure.
I usually like to add a handful of lime and mix it to the top 5cm of soil in the pot. Lime can help the plant absorb more nutrients by breaking down sticky particles in the soil.
Lettuce leaves don't enjoy drying out and will quickly become bitter if not watered daily.
How Much Sun?
Although lettuce leaves are sun-loving, when grown in a container they need to be in a more protected location. The ideal is to have them where they can get an hour or two of early morning sun then shade, or filtered sun for the rest of the day.
The crops shown in the video thrived in the shade of a tree fern and never received more than an hour of direct sun.
Step by step guide.
Step 1- Preparation.
Select a nice deep container and half fill it with good potting soil enriched with compost. Sprinkle with about a teaspoon full of water- saving crystals. Water with a fish emulsion mix so that the crystals become impregnated.
Step 2- Treating the water-saving crystals
A good picture showing the crystals growing in size as they absorb the fish- emulsion mixture.
Once this is done, add more soil and top-up. Plan the spacing and make small holes for the seedlings.
Step 3-Transplanting
When removing the seedlings from the tray, ensure that the soil ball is intact. If the soil is grainy, cut open the tray mould with a scissors.
Firm the soil around the seedlings to eliminate air pockets.(gently)
Step 4-Mulching
Add mulch.
Step 5-Watering
Water the seedlings immediately then lightly mist spray with a seaweed solution mixture.Leave the container in a protected place away from direct sunlight for 2-3 days. Water daily. This will harden the seedlings and strengthen them before they are exposed to harsher climate.Thereafter move them to a suitable permanent spot.
Step 6-Daily Maintenance
Water daily.Spray with seaweed solution weekly. Check for pest infestations by examining the leaves for signs of attack.
Pests are usually hiding on the underside of the leaves.
Pests are usually hiding on the underside of the leaves.
Step 7-Harvesting
Pick the outer leaves frequently and use in salads. This will encourage new growth and stall the plant from going to seed quickly. Once seeding starts, no new leaves will be produced.
Enjoy the bounty 🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷🔷
The Reward ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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