How to sow and raise lettuce seedlings? Detailed key points of the method
Lettuce can be sown directly or raised as seedlings and then transplanted. In spring and summer, direct sowing is the main method; in autumn and winter, either seedling raising or direct sowing can be used. 1. Seed soaking and sprouting: In summer and early autumn, temperatures are high and seed germination is inhibited. You can first soak the seeds in warm water for 3 hours, then wrap them well in a towel or gauze and place them in a well (20-30 cm above the water surface)...
Lettuce can be sown directly or raised as seedlings and then transplanted. In spring and summer, direct sowing is the main method; in autumn and winter, either seedling raising or direct sowing can be used.1. Seed soaking and sprouting: In summer and early autumn, temperatures are high and seed germination is inhibited. You can first soak the seeds in warm water for 3 hours, then wrap them well in a towel or gauze and place them in a well (20-30 cm above the water surface). Take them out twice a day and rinse with cool water. If conditions allow, they can also be placed in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment or a fruit cold store for low-temperature treatment to promote germination.
2. Sowing and planting out: For direct sowing, according to soil fertility, season, and plant size, make holes at a spacing of 25-30 cm, first water thoroughly to soak the bottom, put in 4-5 seeds, then cover with fine fertile soil and keep the soil moist. Seedlings emerge in 5-7 days. Thin the seedlings 1-2 times when there are 2-3 leaves, and finalize the spacing when there are 4-5 leaves.
For seedling raising, first prepare the seedbed well and apply enough base fertilizer. Sow 80-100 grams of pre-sprouted seeds per 20 sq m. After sowing, cover with 0.3-0.5 cm of fine manure soil, then cover with a layer of rice straw or pine needles, and water thoroughly with a watering can. After the seedlings emerge, gradually remove the covering. When the seedlings are 10-15 cm tall and have 4-5 leaves, they can be planted out.