A detailed explanation of lettuce sowing time and key points of greenhouse planting methods

Lettuce is a common vegetable we see often, and there are many ways to eat it: stir-frying, hot pot ingredients, and burger vegetables are all good choices. As a green vegetable, lettuce is also very nutritious and crisp to eat, so it is loved by many people. In addition, some people grow lettuce as potted vegetables, placing it indoors for good symbolism, as it is a homophone for "making money." Today let's learn about when lettuce is best sown? What are the planting methods?

1. When is the best time to sow lettuce?

The sowing time of lettuce is determined according to its growth habits. Because lettuce is not tolerant of cold or heat, the planting time is mainly set by region:

1. Middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River: spring sowing time is from late January to mid-to-late February, planting in March, and harvesting in May; autumn sowing time is generally concentrated in August to September, with harvesting in November to December.

2. South China: lettuce generally also has two sowing periods, one in summer, and one from September to February of the following year, with the harvest period from November to April of the following year.

3. High-cold regions of northwest and northeast China: mainly spring sowing and summer harvesting.

However, in recent years, lettuce cultivation techniques have improved, such as greenhouse lettuce planting and hydroponic lettuce. Generally speaking, if suitable varieties are selected and proper care measures are taken, sowing can be done all year round and supply can be available on the market throughout the year. It is a vegetable with relatively high economic value.

2. Key points of greenhouse planting methods for lettuce

1. Select lettuce varieties

Generally, if greenhouse planting is adopted, lettuce varieties with strong cold resistance, strong adaptability, and strong disease resistance should be selected, so that the yield of lettuce can be ensured.

2. Level the land

Lettuce seeds have very high requirements for the seedbed, because lettuce seeds are very small, so not only must the land be prepared finely, but the bed soil must also be level. After land preparation is completed, a certain amount of farmyard manure should be spread and mixed evenly into the soil to lay a good foundation for subsequent growth.

3. Lettuce seed treatment and sowing

(1) Seed treatment: purchased lettuce seeds can be treated in two ways, one is soaking seeds to promote germination, and the other is direct sowing with dry seeds.

For soaking seeds to promote germination, generally warm water is used to wash the seeds, then they are drained and placed in a basin, and placed in an environment at room temperature of 20°C for germination, washed and dried every day. Generally, they can sprout in 3 days.

Dry seed sowing requires mixing with chemicals in advance, then sowing, and do not leave overnight.

(2) Sowing: first water the seedbed, and after the water has completely penetrated, sowing can begin. Remember, the planting density should not be too high, as it will affect the subsequent growth of lettuce seedlings.

4. The environment during the lettuce emergence period should be moist

For lettuce to emerge well, it must grow healthily in a moist environment. If the temperature is very high and the light is too strong, shade and cooling should be done in a timely manner.

5. Fertilizer and water management for lettuce

(1) Watering

After lettuce is planted, watering must be thorough, and it must not be left in a dry environment. Generally, the amount and frequency of watering should be determined according to the specific growth condition of the lettuce. Generally speaking, water once a week. In spring, the temperature is not high and water evaporates slowly, so appropriately reduce the frequency and amount of watering. In summer, when the temperature is high and there is a lot of rainfall, water less; when there is little rainfall, water more. Especially during the growth period, the water requirement is particularly large, so the soil must always be kept moist.

(2) Fertilizing

Because sufficient base fertilizer was applied during sowing, if the lettuce is growing well and there is no sign of fertilizer deficiency, then no additional topdressing is needed. However, if growth is slow and the leaf color is light, appropriate topdressing must be applied. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers all promote leaf growth. Topdress about once every half a month.

(3) Intertillage and weeding

Why is it said that weeding should be done after lettuce is planted? In order to promote root development, intertillage and weeding can loosen the soil, make its nutrients more sufficient, and allow healthier growth later.

6. Prevent and control lettuce diseases and pests

The main diseases of lettuce include soft rot, downy mildew, etc.; common pests include aphids, cutworms, etc. Generally, these diseases and pests can be avoided by strengthening prevention. If they do occur, they should be actively addressed to avoid spreading to healthy plants. Of course, generally we do not recommend spraying pesticides. If it really cannot be controlled, then use pesticides reasonably and try to spray one month before harvest.

In summary, the common sowing times for lettuce are spring sowing and autumn sowing. Harvesting should also be noted: it is better early than late. We hope vegetable farmers will pay attention.