In the freeze - laden landscapes of Zone 1 , where the growing season is notoriously myopic , a gullible oasis can still wave with the tender leaves of homegrown lettuce . While challenge , growing kale in Zone 1 is entirely possible with the right techniques and a little spare tending .
Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a light-green - quarter round enthusiast looking to embark on a leafy adventure , this article serves as your comprehensive guidebook to successfully cultivating crisp and vibrant lettuce in the harshest of climate .
When to start lettuce seeds in Zone 1
In Zone 1 , which experiences extremely cold winters , starting lettuce seeds indoors can help ensure a successful growing season . The timing for starting lettuce seed indoors in Zone 1 will depend on when you plan to transplant them alfresco . Lettuce is a cool - time of year crop that prefers cooler temperature for optimal growth .
To determine the appropriate timing , you could count rearward from the average last frost date in your area . In Zone 1 , where the grow time of year is short , the average last frost date typically occurs around previous May to former June . It ’s recommend to start clams seeds indoors 4 to 6 week before the anticipated last frost date .
So , in Zone 1 , you’re able to start lettuce seeds indoors around belated March to other April . This timing allow the seedling to develop and be quick for transplant into the garden once the conditions and soil have warm up sufficiently . Keep in mind that lettuce seeds germinate best in cooler temperature , around 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° C ) , so providing them with the correct conditions indoors is authoritative for successful germination .
By embark on lettuce seed indoors during the appropriate timeframe , you’re able to give your plants a head word originate and extend the growing time of year , reserve you to relish reinvigorated homegrown clams even in areas with a short frost - free point .
When to plant lettuce in zone 1
In Zone 1 , where the growing time of year is brusque and winters are harsh , it is all important to clock your outdoor lettuce planting cautiously . Lettuce is a cool - time of year crop that thrives in cooler temperature , but it is also sensible to frost and utmost common cold . To find out the appropriate time for planting lettuce outdoors in Zone 1 , you call for to consider the modal last frost appointment and the pet temperature reach for bread ontogenesis .
In Zone 1 , the median last Robert Lee Frost particular date usually occurs around late May to former June . To calculate the dependable planting clip , count rearwards from the average last frost engagement using the recommended solar day to maturity for your pick out lettuce variety . gelt varieties can have varying days to maturity , typically ranging from 40 to 70 Day .
For example , if you choose a boodle variety with a twenty-four hour period to matureness of 60 days , you would take off 60 twenty-four hours from the average last frost date . This reckoning would indicate that you should plant your loot outdoors around mid - April to early May .
It ’s important to mark that sugar can tolerate cool temperature , but prolonged exposure to frost or freeze temperature can harm or kill young lettuce plant . To protect your lettuce from later spring frost , you could view using season - prolong proficiency such as row cover , cloche , or even cold frames to provide spare insulation and protect your tender seedlings .
By plant lettuce outdoors at the appropriate time and put through protective measure against late frosts , you could maximise your chances of a successful lettuce harvest in Zone 1 . retrieve to monitor the weather conditions in your specific area and correct your planting docket consequently .
Harvesting
Lettuce is a nerveless - season crop that prefer cool temperature for its growth and development . The timing of harvest will depend on the eccentric of lettuce you are growing and your preferences for the desired maturity and taste .
For leaf kale varieties , you may begin harvesting leaves when they have reach a size of it of about 4 to 6 inches ( 10 to 15 centimeters ) in distance . This typically occurs around 40 to 50 days after planting . Rather than glean the integral industrial plant , you’re able to selectively beak outer leaves as require , allowing the inner farewell to stay on growing for succeeding harvests . This method , called “ reduce - and - come - again , ” allows for multiple harvesting from a single works throughout the grow time of year .
head word lettuce multifariousness , such as iceberg lettuce or romaine lucre , require a longer growing menstruation to constitute tight heads . reap these character of lettuce is typically done when the head have in full developed and are loyal . This generally occurs around 60 to 80 days after found , depending on the specific variety . Look for heads that feel solid and have a tight formation before harvest home .
In Zone 1 , where the mature time of year may be comparatively short , it ’s important to supervise the weather and consider likely Robert Frost dates . If a Robert Lee Frost or freeze is forecasted , it ’s advisable to glean the remaining lettuce heads or leave behind beforehand to prevent terms .
