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lettuce
KIDDY2
Posts: 1
I have decided to try and grow lettuce again, each time I fail miserably.
When the lettuce seeds germinate is it safe to prick them out to where they will finally grow, or should they be sown into where they will finally grow, HELP
0
Posts
I've just sown mixed salad leaves for the first time this year. I sowed them in lines in the space where I intended them to stay and then thinned out the seedlings once they'd sprouted. I'm intending to use mine as baby leaf so I've thinned them to a couple of inches apart, but you'd need to increase this if you're intending to grow them to full size.
One thing I have learnt this first time around - don't leave the seedlings too long before thinning or the ones you leave in may end up with skinney, unsupportive stalks. I also put in far too many seeds and ended chucking more seedlings than I kept, so best to be more sparing I guess.
When the lettuce seeds germinate is it safe to prick them out to where they will finally grow,
You do not say where you are but I would say it is a bit early to do this.
But having said that if you have some on the go you can prick out a few into individual 3" pots and grow them on in a cool greenhouse or cold frame until it is the right time to plant them out, this will give you a head start!
or should they be sown into where they will finally grow,
Too early for this! This link might answer your questions better;
http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Lettuce/Lettuce.htm
Hello Kiddy2,
Lettuce seedlings can be delicate, so the old method of sowing them in guttering works well by causing minimal root disturbance. Also have a look at Monty and Chris Beardshaw sowing seeds in the greenhouse. Don't give up yet!
Emma
gardenersworld.com team
Perhaps I could ask about watering them. I manage to grow them to a good strong seed level and then when they get to a certain size and I repot them they go all soggy on me. I feel they are overwatered but everyone says keep moist. They are in the utility room at the mo as no greenhouse and live in Ireland so weather alot cooler outside than England. I sometimes think they are buried too deep in compost. So droopy and sickly looking. Some have died already. Please advise on looking after them.
Sounds like over-watering. They don't need to be kept moist, particularly in your climate. Water when they need it.
Good stuff Thanks