Lettuce seeds need light to germinate, so don’t sow them too deep. Plant seeds 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch deep.Stones and large clods of dirt will inhibit germination. Since the seed is so small, a well-tilled seedbed is essential.Sow a three-foot row of lettuce seeds every couple of weeks-just rotate the straw bale around the garden. A week later, the soil under the bale will be about 10☏ (6☌) cooler than the rest of the garden. Tip: To plant a fall crop, create cool soil in late August by moistening the ground and covering it with a bale of straw.See our Planting Calendar for planting dates. In most regions, it’s possible to plant another crop of lettuce in the fall or even early winter.If you are buying transplants (small plants) from a garden center or nursery, you may plant between 2 weeks before your last spring frost to 2 weeks after your last spring frost.Harden off seedlings for 3 days to a week before setting outdoors. Or, to get a head start, start seeds indoors about 1 month before your last spring frost date.Sow seeds in the ground 2 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost date or as soon as the ground can be worked. Cold-adapted varieties can survive much lower temperatures. Soil temperatures between 45☏ and 65☏ (7☌ and 18☌) are ideal.In the weeks prior to planting, amend with plenty of compost for added fertility. Soil should be loose, well-draining, and moist but not soggy. Lettuce prefers a location with 5 to 6 hours of sun, but can benefit from afternoon shade when temperatures soar.
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