How To Grow Perfect Lettuce Every Time! 🥬

Рет қаралды 407,881

Күн бұрын

Calling all leaf-munching, salad-snaffling lettuce lovers! We know you're out there, longing for luscious leaves of lovely lettuce. We hear you! This week, Ben reveals his top tips for growing your very own long lasting supply of lip smacking, pest-defying, super salads. Lettuce begin!
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Пікірлер: 624

@MichelleMcDines 2 жыл бұрын

An old lady in Cyprus taught me to wrap my lettuce (and other green leaves) in a damp tea towel before storing them in the fridge. They stay crisp and fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure you keep the tea towel damp (but not wet)

@sandrashane677 Жыл бұрын

@HackzFood A fridge?

@Ray.Norrish Жыл бұрын

Best tip is to cut leaves away as you need them and leave stalk intact. Extends freshness hugely.

@EL-gu8fv 4 ай бұрын

That's what my mother used to do.

@thimovijfschaft3271 2 жыл бұрын

A tip I have about aphids, is to have a garden Nasturtium growing in your garden. It attracts aphids like crazy and ever since I started to grow one, I never had any aphids on the other plants anymore.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Great tip, cheers Thimo!

@drop2nd246 Жыл бұрын

I also use neem oil with dish soap and water, but i like the easy ways to rid aphids

@ritawest2535 2 жыл бұрын

Alyssum... What a great idea! Fragrant, low ground cover (can be given "haircuts"), attract the insects we DO want ... and don't compete much for nutrients! Win, win, win.... Thanks, Ben! 😊

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

It's great to have a winning combination like that Rita, definitely!

@r.c.a.f_lynx9992 Жыл бұрын

You can plant lettuce at any time. For instance, I just planted my Romaine lettuce. But because the hot weather is coming, I planted them under the shade of a Maple tree. The shade will keep them cool during the hot weather.

@michielvoetberg4634 2 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to the companion plant video

@wendyneal4900 2 жыл бұрын

I wish I could give you another thumbs up, since this is my second time watching this episode. I need to get my gardening notebook out and take notes, because you have SO much knowledge to share. Thank you for your interesting videos, I enjoy them very much!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Wendy!

@michielvoetberg4634 2 жыл бұрын

This has quickly become one of my favourite channels.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Michiel!

@lacklustre222 Жыл бұрын

Just discovered your page, binging like crazy! Love your content

@GrowVeg Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. A warm welcome to you. :-)

@jetiyap.5725 6 ай бұрын

❤Thanks a lot for spreading these huge happiness, beautiful gardening and clear knowledge.

@GrowVeg 6 ай бұрын

And thank you for watching. :-)

@alexanderroberts9476 2 жыл бұрын

Slugs are the bane of my existence!!! I will try the Beer for sure! However, it better work Ben, I am Canadian eh and we don't like wasting beer, lol.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

I feel your concern there Alexander, really I do! Only use the cheap stuff - don't go wasting any of the good stuff!

@oceansoul3694 2 жыл бұрын

I grow a 2-sided trellis, making an A-frame structure for my sweet peas, and under it I plant lots of lettuces. It works beautifully, they're shaded by the sweet peas and pests don't usually find them. Thank you for yet another lovely, encouraging and informative video!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great solution to hot sun - great thinking. :-)

@joannegratton491 Жыл бұрын

I love your idea, thank you.

@lilawiese2460 4 ай бұрын

Sweet, edible? peas, or the sweet pea flower?

@oceansoul3694 4 ай бұрын

@@GrowVeg

@oceansoul3694 4 ай бұрын

@@joannegratton491 thank you and you're welcome!

@k.l.5940 2 жыл бұрын

Harvesting: Charles Dowding is using this method as a market gardener. Pinch put the outer leaves. 3 months of harvest. Perfect!

@jameswaterhouse-brown6646 2 жыл бұрын

“The merest suggestion of potting mix”. Nice.

@arobleto 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite vegetable growing channel, thank you!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Alvaro! :-)

@Aethelvlad 2 жыл бұрын

The amount of enthusiasm and life you bring to the videos is great, you seem like a genuinely great person to know.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. :-)

@KenHJones 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. The Allysum tip is just what I needed having lost nearly all my lettuce to bugs and slugs last year. I use garlic and marigolds in the greenhouse in a similar way for my tomatoes and cucumbers etc

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

It's a great plant. Can't wait to use more of it this season Ken.

@dillonadrianweekes7626 2 жыл бұрын

@kenclark6614 2 жыл бұрын

Buttercrunch is one of my favorites

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Delicious!

@alexandraathay 2 жыл бұрын

Good tip when watering small to medium pots or cell trays...hold the pot/cell to be watered over another pot that also needs watering and allow the top pot/cell to drain to the one below. This not only saves water, it also means you save on watering time. Fresh water is precious to us and our vegetables.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Great advice, thanks Alexandra.

@imbabci2 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in western North Carolina, Zone 7B, and grow Buttercrunch and Romaine in a cold frame all winter. I start from seed in late September. Light bulbs inside and and a tarp on the outside for nights below 26 degrees has kept my lettuces and radishes in perfect shape. No bug problems this time of the year :)

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

That's one benefit of growing in winter - no pests to speak of.

@debraparker1550 5 ай бұрын

Butternut. Thanks Ben 😊

@debraparker1550 5 ай бұрын

I ment Buttercrunch 🤭. You probably knew that. God Bless

@partidaportet27 2 жыл бұрын

We have romaine,.lollo rosso,.lollo verde,.oak leaf types growing now. We also use a media low in Nitrogen but higher in calcium to get them going and provide crisp leaves, we found this reduces aphid pressure too. We also supplement a comfrey FPJ/ Tea which we use in drip

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

That's really interesting to hear - thanks for sharing that. :-)

@rowenaross5436 2 жыл бұрын

Great video thank you. I am going to plant some corn salad for the first time

@yeevita 2 жыл бұрын

Love homegrown lettuces. Lettuces are very forgiving about being transplanted. In summer, I definitely grow in shade and I sow more often, so I have young lettuces when the older ones bolt. For sow bugs and slugs, I grow individual lettuces in their own pots that sit above the ground. I usually let a few lettuces go to seed each year and end up with lots of seeds and volunteers, which I transplant and grow on. We just harvest lettuce when we are eating it. I actually just graze in the garden, a few leaves each day.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great way to grow - always something to pick. :-)

@leonaylesworth3045 Жыл бұрын

For the first time ever I managed to grow some Buttercrunch lettuce this year. I planted in late January. Protecting from our North Texas ice storms provided plenty of challenge, but I manage to grow a number of the Buttercrunch and Red Romaine variety from the seedlings purchased from a local feed store. It is early May and I have just harvested the last of the Buttercrunch. I'll be growing this again for certain. Not certain if growing this into the winter will work her but I'm going to try. It can remain in the 80degree Fahrenheit range into December.

@GrowVeg Жыл бұрын

Definitely worth a try. Glad you got a good early crop.

@marilynskipper1952 2 жыл бұрын

Butter crunch lettuce, romaine, red leaf, one package of mixed too. All from seed. Grow super well up here near Seattle WA. I have been planting alyssum, zinnia, and nasturtiums with my veggies for years. Attracts pollinators and is attractive in appearance and no aphids!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

That's really great to hear first hand that these flowers help with aphids - thanks for sharing that Marilyn.

@seanjamescameron 2 жыл бұрын

I'm growing heritage ones this year called Bloody Warrior !

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

That's a cool name!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Great to see you on here by the way. :-)

@lunarbloom3587 2 жыл бұрын

Extremely helpful Ben! I also really appreciate you referencing seasons like early, mid, late winter etc as opposed to specific months. Adored the footage of the hedgehog too 😊Many thanks from Australia!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers for that - great to have viewers down under. :-)

@melanieallen8980 2 жыл бұрын

great tips..I never knew about allysum..

@wdsp69 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ben. Always love your videos. Gardening here in Japan.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Daniel, thanks for watching

@christinebrooks6364 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, hadn't realised they didn't like the hot weather so, will rethink were I'm going to plant them this season, thanks for sharing & take care 🙂

@christinebrooks6364 2 жыл бұрын

@Austin Howland I'm good thank you 🙂

@christinebrooks6364 2 жыл бұрын

@Austin Howland I'm in Wallasey, Wirral 🙂

@christinebrooks6364 2 жыл бұрын

@Austin Howland yes I am

@gardeningwithnanay 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Now I know i have to get Alyssium for my lettuces! So helpful video!

@erickjason9092 2 жыл бұрын

"A sticky but happy ending" really cracked me up.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to have raised a smile!

@jackimurphy1 2 жыл бұрын

I'm in NZ and currently have a lovely crop of butter lettuce nearly ready to harvest. I can't believe how much they taste like butter 💛 I picked my last frilly lettuce last night for tea. It's so rewarding growing your own food 💚

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

It's a great and wonderfully empowering thing to do Jacki.

@jaynz247 Жыл бұрын

In Nz too and love growing and eating buttercruch lettuces!

@barbaras1579 Жыл бұрын

Lol No need to use butter on lettuce n marmite sammies 👍🏻

@barbaras1579 Жыл бұрын

Lol No need to use butter on lettuce n marmite sammies 👍🏻

@jackieo8693 2 жыл бұрын

Lettuces are my favorite green to grow...but I never have luck with starting them inside. I like all kinds! Slugs are a BIG problem where I live...Thanks for the tips!

@fionaharvey2720 2 жыл бұрын

Another well explained interesting video thank you! Congratulations on your journalistic award, well deserved ! Really looking forward to next video! ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ 🥇

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Fiona, that means a lot and is appreciated. :-)

@Godwinpounds4333 2 жыл бұрын

Hello dear ,how are you doing?

@Bruncobrobranch 2 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. Thanks for the video!

@learningtogether8484 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge

@janicealderson4329 Жыл бұрын

Wow 10 months ago i put a comment in and it is May - I have wonderful lettuce everywhere this year. I started them in a cold frame and then the tunnel and after that outside - so pleased. Cold so far this year - started off with a soft lettuce and then a variety called Black Simpson loads to eat!!

@GrowVeg Жыл бұрын

That's really super to hear - good job! :-)

@jessiegibson9637 2 ай бұрын

This is my first season growing lettuce and I only just saw this. So glad I had my planting right! I live in a warm climate and planted a "wall" of sugar snap peas to shade them.

@aworldapartfilms4972 2 жыл бұрын

Him : what type of lettuce are you going to grow this year? Me: YES

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

So many decisions!

@ienekevanhouten4559 2 жыл бұрын

I never knew alyssum helped to attract beneficial insects like that! I love it for its own sake but will definitely put some in between the vegs now as well as in flower containers. Thank you. Sweet channel.

@JoeBanjo88 2 жыл бұрын

Rob...that was great information on Alyssum! I did not know it attracted beneficial predators...I will be sure to add that to the mix! I like to direct sow salad mixes...I love the variety but my favorite lettuce is buttercrunch. Thank you for all you do!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

No problem at all Dennis - and thank you for watching.

@georgepursley2832 2 жыл бұрын

I'm looking forward to the assylum tip this year. We grow for 4 families in Wisconsin, USA. With increased food and petrolium prices this year, we are increasing the area under cultivation. Instead of single seed types, we will probably plant mixes of lettucices, mustards, kales, etc. We generally start seeds inside and plant plugs in no dig raised beds.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear you're expanding - it's a very empowering response to rising prices.

@myrnasfarmlifeandhomestead5566 2 жыл бұрын

New subbie here. I love your videos. A filipina from California

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome! Thank you so much for the sub!

@janicealderson4329 2 жыл бұрын

You are very good with your lettuce!! I planted mine out in the heat, in S France and wondered why they didn't come up - my hubby took me for a fool - this is my 1st full year of growing and they grew really well in Wales years ago!! Thanks for the tips!!!!!!! I will grow indoors early along with the peppers, next year.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

At least you'll be able to grow plenty of warm-season crops down there - wonderful!

@ThatBritishHomestead Жыл бұрын

i like growing many many types of lettuce and having a mixed bag of leafs. Wonderful crisp leaves all year long! we just started to hvest them this year! And we cant of planted them that long ago.

@dawnmgerner692 2 жыл бұрын

It’s a real treat to watch and learn from you. Thanks 😘

@davidabberton9 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative video as usual Ben, thank you from Central Coast Hinterland, NSW, Australia! For storing lettuce & green veggies I wrap them in a bit of paper towel before putting in a plastic bag in the fridge-it absorbs excess moisture & keeps them humidified.

@maureenbennett217 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I'm in Saskatchewan, Canada right in the middle of winter, so I love hearing about cold weather crops. Just wanted to agree that after washing my lettuce and spinning it dry, it keeps very well in a large plastic container with paper towels between layers.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great tip David and Maureen, many thanks.

@bordercollie8458 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ben for putting out so many wonderful and entertaining videos they never fail to put a smile on my face. I live in the Williamette Valley in western Oregon and have a huge success of slug control by using the powdered egg shells from my chickens I have. It works wonderful and costs me nothing I my husband gets the nice cold beer. =)

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Great tip, thanks so much. :-)

@janiceelliott413 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your tips. I've the seeds now I'll give lettuce growing a go. We're in our winter good time to start planting.

@kellyzent2415 2 жыл бұрын

Butter crunch lettuce is my favorite.

@-attemptingtherandom-2777 2 жыл бұрын

I recently slowly shoveled mulch onto my rose bush like rain to remove tons of larva in a desperate attempt. It worked! The larva couldn't hold onto the stalk with the shards of mulch raining on them over and over. It buried them underneath the rose itself. A two in one hack for trying on your sturdier plants like my young rose. In two weeks the suffering leaves are gone and a half dozen baby pink blooms are showing off!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Yey - well done on getting on top of them!

@sheikhwali7 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for information & ideas 👍👍💡

@Glitter221 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your enjoyable class on growing lettuce. I learned a lot and will start tomorrow!

@beverlycampbell8809 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, great show. I love Boston lettuce.

@betsybrittingham930 Жыл бұрын

This is my first year growing lettuces. I am starting with loose leaf lettuce and romaine lettuce. 😊🤞💗

@GrowVeg Жыл бұрын

Hope they grow well for you. :-)

@cbak1819 2 жыл бұрын

Black seed Simpson, Bibb, Romaine, Red Silvia.. thanks for all the tips and tricked !

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Christine. Some lovely varieties there.

@mazzy8216 25 күн бұрын

I've grown for the first time.... gem lettuce 😋 sown straight into trough in April under cloche, I'm taking first picks today, i couldn't be more proud😇. Cheer's Ben, amazing advice and videos..a big shout out to my green garden friend Hollie B in Surrey who has given me the kick I needed

@GrowVeg 23 күн бұрын

Well done - that must be a very satisfying moment. Top job!😀

@valoriegriego5212 2 жыл бұрын

Ben, I'm with you on the deliciousness of home grown lettuce. I enjoy growing loose leaf lettuces.🙂 Not too sure on all the varieties I'll grow this year...one I try to grow each year is Black Seeded Simpson. Looks like Rosie was giving you a hand on pruning a bush or two.🙂 Looking forward to your next video...I'm learning a ton!👍 Oh, like the beard...looks good on ya!

@frankburns8871 2 жыл бұрын

Loose-leaf is great, and I get good results with all those varieties. But a nice head of lettuce (or several) would be great, too, including the much-maligned (by "foodie" snobs) Iceberg variety, which really can't be beat for crispiness; perfect sandwich additions. But I just can't seem to make those work. I'm thinking timing is crucial with those, coupled with cooperation from Mother Nature. If it heats up too much too soon in the spring, you're just out of luck. Gonna keep trying, though.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Frank - definitely keep trying. Your patience will be rewarded I'm sure. Valorie - thanks for the kind words. Not sure about the beard but will keep experimenting!

@sandrahunt7829 2 жыл бұрын

Great information! Thanks

@dollyperry3020 2 жыл бұрын

I love the Baker Creek Rocky Top mix.

@paulineohea175 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant informative video. Thank you 🙏🇦🇺

@i2ndsight 2 жыл бұрын

We like Flashy Trout's Back lettuce. It's really tasty and our budgies love it almost as much as basil, probably because of its bright colors.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

I've not heard of that one Melody - I'll have a look.

@Godwinpounds4333 2 жыл бұрын

Hello, how are you doing?

@i2ndsight 2 жыл бұрын

@@GrowVeg Translate to German and you will find it.

@normancoutts 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, all I needed to know. Cheers.

@jwvautard 2 жыл бұрын

I love Romaine and Bibb lettuces, especially for sandwiches. I am like their cut-and-come-again harvesting qualities. I also enjoy the iceberg lettuces as they add a pleasant crunch to salads.

@r.perkins2103 2 жыл бұрын

I find that tuna cans are the right size for slug traps - cover to protect from rain. Place washed lettuce in the middle of a tea towel and (holding the corners), fling it down to spin out the water, best done outside.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant tips - thanks for sharing them.

@helen2061 2 жыл бұрын

Oak leaf are my favorite!

@alexisgossage276 2 жыл бұрын

"At this point lettuces are good for one thing only..." Wellll, except if you have chickens, they LOVE bolted lettuce and don't seem to mind the milky sap. They eat all parts of the greens and flowers which adds to their vegetative diet! Also, where it's dry (like here) we don't have an issue with slugs so much as pill and "pincher" bugs which nibble up the tiny delicate seedlings after you've transplanted them. They're mostly active at night and thrive where your lovely compost/mulch is placed. Soy sauce and oil traps work pretty well, but they can sometimes escape the beer traps!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Alexis. Thanks for sharing those tips. I'm now wishing I had chickens in the garden to make use of my bolted lettuces! Great that nothing goes to waste.

@peterbergel 2 жыл бұрын

Another helpful video, Ben. I especially like growing arugula because it's so flavorful and so expensive in the stores, yet so easy to grow. I've had some giving us delight in a covered bed all winter so far.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

It's a great salad leaf for sure Peter.

@mymilo 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos. I've grown lettuce for years but didn't realise they were cold weather crops! I live in Cornwall now and have some in the poly tunnel. I'll look for a shadier place for the next lot!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pamela. Lettuce is pretty accommodating and will do fine in most spots in this country.

@debrafuller5693 2 жыл бұрын

So they don't go all floppy!🤪😅😋Thanks,enjoyed your helpful video!

@GardenofEmma Жыл бұрын

I have never had success with lettuce as it’s always bolted so going to give some of these tips a try this year. Thanks Ben

@GrowVeg Жыл бұрын

Hope you get a bolt-free crop this time round. 😀

@debralauesen4225 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent information explained for beginners, thanks so much. Looking forward to next vid

@reggie5 Жыл бұрын

I love the crispiness of Lollo Rossa. And at €2 a pop in the supermarkets these days, they're definitely worth having a go at at home.

@GrowVeg Жыл бұрын

Definitely!

@carolecoffman4276 2 жыл бұрын

I love allysum.. New use for it!!

@greengoddess6664 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. I never seem to get the steps from germination, to plugs, to planting out right so this has been very helpful. Thank you.

@kimmunchel3004 Жыл бұрын

Never had much luck with direct sowing lettuce here in southeastern US. But now I think I will try planting in pots until they are well developed. And try the companion plants once they are in the ground. Alyssum, who knew??? Thanks for the tips!

@okudotwana3134 2 жыл бұрын

You're so friendly and approachable🤗♥️.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Bless you - thanks!

@samvimes1482 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely great, can't wait to get started!

@rainepanda 2 жыл бұрын

I live in Central Texas so I think it might be hard for me to grow lettuce in the hottest months but I'm excited to practice sowing lettuce through spring, fall, and part of winter! Here we can grow kale, collards, and bok choy easier. I'm trying to get some spinach in before it gets too warm here. yesterday it was 82F and today we have freezing rain haha

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow - that is quite some swing in temperature!

@yaima0901 Жыл бұрын

I’m in west Texas I can only dream of growing lettuce during summer lol

@KirupanFernandez-rb2zl 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great details

@mikkihesson3509 2 жыл бұрын

perfect timing on this video! im doing some of these this year. im glad to have found your video on the companion planting from before too for these bibbs and my tomatoes.

@AlphagirlMae 3 күн бұрын

Your video was so helpful. Thank you so much.

@rosewood513 2 жыл бұрын

Another fine video. Love your new (to me) look. I grow lettuce in my house. My dogs love lettuce in their soup so I need a lot. I like the red types like red sails. I also grow lots of Japanese cabbage that are more like lettuce in texture. They grow extremely fast and I do cut and come again. My replacement for Cos... I also love Tatsoi I grow that year round. Indoors and in my greenhouse.

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting about your dogs liking lettuce. I'll have to see if my Rosie might like it too. :-)

@loop8946 23 күн бұрын

Absolutely loving your channel content, thank you for the all the information you're sharing :)

@leong2616 2 жыл бұрын

Great timing on the video, was about to sow some today. Love the vid!!

@Coltbreath 2 жыл бұрын

Thank You! Always good information I’m going to make s slug/snail trap

@karenshelnutt5242 2 жыл бұрын

Great ideas. I have arugula growing in Georgia, USA in an outdoor raised bed and it is impervious to the below freezing temps that we have been having!

@GrowVeg 2 жыл бұрын

It's a tough old plant!