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Vegetable Gardening

Fertilize lettuce seeds at planting time or later?

15 years ago

About to put some lettuce seeds into the ground. A little late I know but oh well. Wondering what you guys do, add a little "chemical" fertilizer at planting time or just rely on compost at planting time and wait until they grow a bit to use fish emulsion or such?

Thanks

Ginny

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Comments (4)

ruthieg__tx
15 years ago
That's what I do....fertilize the bed and later after they have grown I'll give them a little side dressing or toss a little more into the bed around the plants and try to work it in.
dicot
15 years ago
A little late? Where are you in CA? It was 95 degrees here last week and In was glad I waited on the leafy veggies and brassicas. I grow lettuce all winter long.

For leafy greens I typically mix blood meal and compost in before germination and don't fertilize during growth.
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I agree with Itilton. Your fertilizer is fine and is probably washed away by now. The lower leaves will get that way as the plant matures. I pull them off. Make sure they are watered and you may want to put a shade cloth over them if you're in a hot area. Most lettuces have gone to seed (bolted ) by now and people are starting on their new crops for the fall. Also, check under the lower leaves for insects or other critters that may be eating the roots and stems. That can cause wilting, too.
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cabrita
15 years ago
We grow lettuces/arugula/chicory in pots from September to about June or sometimes even July here in SoCal. It is just a couple of months that we live without lettuces, but during those months we get enough cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes that we just make different salads, but we always have something for salads. I use compost rich soil and water often but I do not fertilize lettuces. We start from seeds, directly into the pots, we pick them often (leave the heads and keep cutting leaves from the sides) and we get lots of salad from each plant. We do place the pots in protected areas of the garden (keep them from freezing or getting too sun burned).
ginjj
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm in San Jose. You are right, we are having a warm couple of weeks. In fact I just now moved some seedlings I bought over the weekend, out of the warm sun. It's only about 77 but it feels warmer!
Ginny

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