Are you a salad lover and you wish to grow salad but have limited space? Did you know you can grow your salad in a bowl? That’s right! So, let’s look into how to grow salad bowl lettuce in containers.
Growing salads such as lettuce in containers are so easy and fast. It is a common procedure for a small spaced garden. They are also economical because growing container salads are less expensive than purchasing them in the supermarket. Therefore, you can simply enjoy fresh-tasting salads in the comfort of your home.
In this post, we will be looking at how to grow salad bowl lettuce in containers, the benefits of growing salad bowls, and others. So, let’s dive in.
Salad Bowl Plant
Planting in a salad bowl offers you the advantage of growing different greens in a small space. There are different greens to choose from when it comes to salad bow planting. You can grow lettuce as well as other greens such as spinach, arugula, swiss chard, tatsi, bok choi, mustard, etc.
If you will be planting lettuce in a salad bowl, it’s important you choose which type of lettuce variety you will be growing. You can choose butterhead variety, looseleaf variety, cos (romaine), and crisp ones.
You can even plant additional flavored plants such as herbs in another bowl. Herbs like mint, parsley, chives, cilantro, and so on can be grown in a salad bowl.
Growing Salad Bowl Lettuce
Nothing can hinder you from creating a salad bowl lettuce garden even if you have limited space. All you need is that small space that can receive some sunlight.
You may use a small balcony, windowsill, outside your kitchen door, or any open space available. You will also need the right type of pot and planting medium.
So, let’s look into how to grow salad bowl lettuce in containers.
Tips On How To Grow Salad Bowl Lettuce In Containers
Growing lettuce in a salad bowl is pretty easy. Here are some tips on how to grow salad bowl lettuce in containers appropriately:
1. Choose a pot
Obtain a wide pot just like a big bowl. You can also choose a rectangular window box as this can serve the same purpose. A plastic pot is perfect because it can be moved easily as it is lightweight.
The pot should be as wide as you want it to be and should be around 6 to 8 inches deep. Lettuce root is shallow but it requires adequate space for its roots. However, you can grow different varieties in 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30.5 cm) dept pots.
Mr. Stacky 5-Tier Strawberry and Herb Garden Planter – Stackable Gardening Pots with 10 Inch Saucer
2. Soil
Soil is another important component. Ideally, you should select a standard potting mix that is loose and drains well. You can do the job of creating your potting mix. Also, add fertilizer and organic matter to your
3. Planting
Ideally, starting your lettuce from seeds is great but not compulsory. You can as well purchase young plants that can be transplanted into your salad bowl garden. You can also grow them from cuttings.
4. Plant positioning
Lettuce is a cool weathered crop that is best grown in spring and fall. However, when you indulge in successive sowing of seeds or biweekly planting of starter plants, it can be continued through the sunny summer months.
Your lettuce bow plant should be positioned in an area that receives bright light all day and just a couple of hours of direct sunlight. You can do a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of sunlight.
However, when the temperature gets too hot, lettuce tends to bolt. Bolting gives rise to flower production then results in bitter-tasting lettuce.
To prevent your lettuce from bolting, position them in a shaded spot whenever the weather is very hot. This is one of the benefits of growing lettuce in containers because you can easily move them to better spots when needed.
5. Watering
Everyday watering isn’t necessary. However, ensure you always check the moisture every day by pushing your fingers to check the soil moisture. If you notice the
6. Fertilization
Lettuce needs fertilizer rich in nitrogen. At the time of planting, compost or rotten manure can be added. You can as well apply compost tea or fish aquarium water. Balanced liquid fertilizer can be added once every 10 to 14 days.
Benefits Of Growing Lettuce Salad Bowl
Here are some benefits of growing salad greens such as lettuce:
- It is easy to grow lettuce in a salad bowl.
- Harvesting can be done by simply plucking the leaves rather than the entire plant. Hence, there will be a continuous or more supply of fresh lettuce.
- Growing salad lettuce in containers means there are fewer
soil -borne diseases. - Your lettuce plant will also be less prone to garden pests.
- Salad lettuce container garden also allows you to control weeds easily.
- Growing lettuce in containers gives you the ease of moving them easily to a better spot especially during hot weather to prevent them from bolting.
Harvesting Salad Bowl Lettuce
Salad bowl lettuce can be harvested starting from 30 to 40 days after planting. Continuous cutting or harvesting will encourage more growth.
Loose lettuce should be cut while they’re young. This will give you the feel of cut and come again.
However, if your container starts to get crowded, you can simply cut the leaves of an entire plant to an inch above the
FAQ’s
What container is best for lettuce?
You can use a small plastic tub, but if you have a bunch of lettuce that is getting soft or wilting, I would recommend using a large plastic container with an airtight lid.
Can you grow lettuce in a bowl?
Yes. The best way to grow lettuce in a bowl is to start with a seed.
This is the most popular way to grow lettuce because it’s the cheapest. Lettuce is an easy plant to grow, but it needs a long growing season to produce a steady supply. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for pests when you’re growing lettuce. Lettuce is a cool-season crop, which means it needs long, warm days to produce well. You should plan to have a sunny window or grow your lettuce in a greenhouse. If you don’t have access to a greenhouse, try growing your lettuce in a large plastic container with a light source.
What is the easiest lettuce to grow?
The easiest lettuce to grow is romaine lettuce. Lettuce is a cool-season vegetable.
Romaine lettuce grows quickly and is easy to harvest and care for. It does need some protection from rain, but not much. Head lettuce is available year round. When planting lettuce, be sure to plant at a depth of 2 inches. This helps prevent rot and increases the amount of time the lettuce stays fresh. Lettuce grows best when planted from seed. It takes about 3 weeks from the time you plant to the time it is ready to harvest. You can pick lettuce anytime between two to four weeks after planting. The sooner you harvest, the more time the lettuce has to develop flavor.
What do I need to grow lettuce indoors?
There are several things you can do to help your plants grow. Grow the plants in a potting mix that drains well. Place the plants on a sunny windowsill or grow lights.
Indoor gardeners can water their plants several times a week. Water your plants at least once every day. Watering more often will encourage growth, but it is not necessary. If you notice the soil is too wet, drain away the excess water by placing a colander over the container. It is best to feed your plants a liquid fertilizer to keep them healthy and growing. You can use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If you use a liquid fertilizer, water your plants thoroughly before feeding. Use a potting mix that drains well.
Can you plant lettuce close together?
Yes, it is possible to plant lettuce close together. It can be done by planting the seed directly in the ground or by planting it in a greenhouse or cold frame. Seeds should be planted in a sunny location with no shade. The seedlings will grow quickly in the spring and are ready to be transplanted when they are about 3 inches tall. The seedlings should be spaced about 1 foot apart.
Conclusion On How To Grow Salad Bowl Lettuce In Containers
Growing salad such as lettuce is a common practice for a small spaced garden. Therefore, you can always enjoy a fresh-tasting salad from your salad bowl garden even if you’re short of space.
Apart from lettuce, you can as well grow other greens such as spinach, arugula, swiss chard, tatsi, bok choi, mustard, etc
We have given you some tips on how to successfully grow salad bowl lettuce in containers.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
