You may be wondering what can go wrong when watering lettuce. The answer is: a lot! Whether in the amount or the way of watering - if you want to harvest lettuce successfully, watering should be a high priority.

What problems can arise?

Lettuce is a flat-rooted plant that is densely branched in the upper part of the soil. Most of the time, the roots only reach up to 20 cm deep into the soil. For this reason, the lettuce is dependent on a regular water supply from above.

For example, if there is a drought in the summer and watering is forgotten, the lettuce will begin to shoot. It develops a long stalk that flowers in no time. If this is the case, the individual lettuce leaves will become hard and bitter in taste. In addition, the nitrate content in the lettuce leaves increases sharply, which can also be dangerous for dogs.

What is important from the outset?

Already when planting the lettuce, importance should be attached to a suitable soil. The lettuce needs well-drained soil that will prevent excess moisture from accumulating. Furthermore, the soil should be slightly loamy so that water is retained.

Beware of burns and rot

All lettuce varieties do not like having their leaves wetted with water, increasing the risk of sunburns. In principle, lettuce should no longer be watered from above with a watering can when it is more mature. Heads of lettuce in particular should be watered in the root area. The water can thus immediately penetrate to the roots and the leaves do not rot due to the wetness.

The thirst never goes away

Lettuce is the thirsty among vegetables. Regardless of when it was planted and when it is in season, it needs regular watering. The following information must be observed when casting:

  • water regularly and evenly
  • preferably use tap water
  • Do not wet leaves with water
  • ideal time: in the morning (water on the leaves can dry quickly)

tips and tricks

You are welcome to add nettle tea to the irrigation water. It fertilizes the soil for the lettuce in a natural and gentle way.

Category:

Vegetable garden