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How Big Should lettuce seedlings be before transplanting?
Lettuce should be transplanted when the plants are between 2-3 inches tall. You should harden off your lettuce plants 7-10 days before transplanting. Bring them outdoors for a few hours, increasing the length of time each day.
How do you transplant lettuce seedlings to bigger pots?
Gently dig the seedlings up from their original container using a popsicle stick, pencil or other improvised tool. Handle the seedlings only by their leaves, never by their stems. Plant them into their new containers deeper than they were growing, gently firming the growing media around their roots.
Can you move lettuce seedlings?
Transplanting: Seedlings started indoors can be planted outside after danger of severe frost has passed. From trays or modules harden off and plant out under fleece. Place the seedling plug in the hole and firm gently around the roots, water well.
Should I separate lettuce seedlings?
Does lettuce need full sun?
The ideal lettuce growing location for spring and fall is in a spot that receives full sun. If you plan on growing lettuce during the summer or in warm planting zones, partial shade can provide protection from the heat.
When can I direct sow lettuce?
Lettuce prefers cool weather and will tolerate frost once established. Direct sow seeds as soon as the ground can be worked.
How tall should seedlings be before transplanting?
As noted above, make sure that your seedling is about 2-3 inches high before transplanting. We also recommend transplanting a seedling after its two “true leaves” first come out. True leaves are the leaves that grow after the initial seed’s cotyledon leaves come out.
How and when do you pull seedlings for transplanting?
To pull seedlings from seedbeds for transplanting: Hold two or three rice seedlings between thumb and index finger. Position the index finger perpendicular, and the thumb parallel to the seedlings. Exert a little pressure downwards before slowly pulling seedling towards you.
How long can seedlings stay in trays?
Seedlings otherwise can become root-bound if not given adequate space for the roots. Typically, after sowing the seeds, the cell trays are used for around 3-4 weeks before transplanting occurs – whether it be to an outdoor plot or into a larger container.
Do I need to thin lettuce seedlings?
You should only have to thin your seedlings once, but if you have a lot of extra plants growing you can split it into two occasions. For example, if your plants need to be 12 inches apart, the first time you can thin every 6 inches. Then a week later you can thin them out again to all be 12 inches apart.
Why are my lettuce seedlings floppy?
Causes of Lettuce Damping Off Too much moisture is the most common cause of damping off, as it makes seedlings much more susceptible to stem and root infections. Damping off usually a sign that you are overwatering or that the humidity is too high. The youngest seedlings are the most vulnerable to damping off.
Do I need to thin lettuce?
Regardless of the types of lettuce you grow, thinning lettuce seedlings is a task that must be done again and again. In comparison, thinning lettuce every few days so that the plants enjoy steady, exuberant growth will give you bigger plants that hold in the garden until hot weather comes along to spoil to party.
How long does it take to transplant lettuce?
When to Plant Lettuce Sow 2 to 4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Soil temperatures need to reach 40°F (4°C), though seeds germinate best at 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C). Seedlings will typically emerge in 7 to 10 days.
How often should lettuce be watered?
Grow. Lettuce has shallow roots, so plants need consistent watering. Check at least twice a week and water if the soil is dry down to 1 inch deep. Containers of lettuce need to be watered more frequently than garden beds, especially in the summer.
Can lettuce grow in partial shade?
Arugula, lettuce, chard, kale and most other leafy greens are top candidates for partial shade at any time of day, and a longer list often thrives in sites that get full morning sun followed by afternoon shade.
Does lettuce grow well in pots?
Growing lettuce in containers requires the right type of pot and planting medium. Lettuce needs ample room for roots but you can grow several varieties in 6 to 12 inch (15-30.5 cm.) pots. The greens need a consistent supply of moisture as they are almost 95 percent water but cannot tolerate wet roots.
Can romaine lettuce be transplanted?
Romaine seedlings can withstand frost and can be transplanted into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. Fall crops can be directly seeded into the garden during late summer. Mature lettuce is not frost-tolerant.
Can you start lettuce indoors?
Lettuce is so easy to grow it can be started indoors for early transplants or sown directly in the garden. In fact, doing both is recommended to get maximum production. Start some lettuce seeds indoors in peat pots a few weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Which is better transplanting or direct seeding?
Direct seeded crops require less labor and tend to mature faster than transplanted crops. In this method, plants are not subjected to stresses such as being pulled from the soil and re-establishing fine rootlets. However, they have more competition from weeds.
