Field guide
How to grow lettuce: planting, care, and harvest guide
Lettuce typically reaches first harvest in 30–60 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant lettuce by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — April to May
- USDA Zones 7–8 — March to April
- USDA Zones 9–10 — February to March
- USDA Zones 11–13 — October to February
Companion plants
Good companions: Carrots, Radishes, Strawberries, Chives
Avoid planting with: Celery, Parsley
Harvest
When to pick
- Leaves are full-sized (4-6 inches for leaf lettuce)
- Head feels firm when gently squeezed (head lettuce)
- Harvest before center stem elongates — that means bolting
How: Cut-and-come-again: harvest outer leaves at the base, leaving the center to keep growing. Or cut the whole head 1 inch above soil for a second flush.
Storage: Wrap in damp paper towel, store in a bag in the fridge. Lasts 5-7 days.
Common pests and problems
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of tiny green/black insects on undersides of leaves, sticky residue
Control: Blast with strong water spray. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Attract ladybugs and lacewings.
Slugs & Snails
Signs: Irregular holes in leaves, silvery slime trails, damage worst at night
Control: Set beer traps or copper tape barriers. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants. Hand-pick at dusk.
Leaf Miners
Signs: Tan/white winding trails within leaves
Control: Remove affected leaves. Use floating row covers to prevent egg-laying. Neem oil as preventive.
About this field guide
A local-first garden agent and neighborhood commons planner for food, water, tools, repair, clean energy, and resilient communication. Your profile and garden history stay on this device.