How To Grow Salad Bowl Lettuce In Containers

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 soil when necessary.

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 soil is a bit dry, you can water them. But generally, your soil should be a bit moist and not too damp.

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 soil. This will allow the plant to regenerate.

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.