iGrowVeg

Windowsill Challenge – Growing Lettuce in a Tray

Posted on 07. Jun, 2009 by Tracey in How to Grow Veg

As you may know I recently launched my Grow Your Own Vegetables on a Windowsill Challenge (Shortened to GYOVWC on Twitter). This post follows on from my last post in the series:

What do you need to get started in the Windowsill Challenge?

If you’ve missed any posts in this series, please click on my GYO Veg Windowsill Challenge page to keep up-to-date with the full collection of posts.

How to Sow Lettuce Seeds in a Tray

When do I Sow? April to August

You will need:

• Seed Tray, Windowsill Propagator or other plastic tray,
• Plastic lid or propagator lid are optional,
• Multi-purpose or seed/potting compost,
• Watering can and
• Lettuce Seeds – Type: Cut and come again or loose leaf salad mix.

Instructions:

1. Refer to your own seed packet or take these instructions as a guide only.
2. Fill the seed tray with multi-purpose or potting compost.
3. Water the compost lightly.
4. Open the seed packet and scatter the seeds over the surface of the soil.
5. Cover the seed with a sprinkling of compost.
6. Water the compost lightly again.
7. Keep the seed packet handy for repeat sowing.
8. Cover with plastic lid (optional) and place on a sunny and light windowsill.

Caring for your Windowsill Lettuce

Over-Watering
Please take care not to over-water the seeds as the windowsill tray has no drainage holes to let excess water drain away. Therefore please take extra care not to water too much or too often as it may flood or rot the seeds.

Under-Watering
Please remember the windowsill will be sunny and will dry out your compost quite quickly. Using a propagator lid or plastic lid over the tray will help keep the moisture in the compost (therefore you will not need to water as much). Alternatively a sprinkling of vermiculite onto the compost surface will also make the compost retain the water and heat to help germination of the seeds.

Dry Compost Crust
Sometimes if compost dries out too quickly a crust will form on the top of the compost which looks and feels wet to the touch. However if you push you finger through the crust at the side of the tray, the compost underneath will be bone dry. Use a dibber, pencil or finger to gently push a few holes or cracks in the crust (not too close to your seedlings, as it may disturb them) and then water lightly.

Watering Tip – If the soil looks dry on top then please water lightly. You can always add water a little at a time but you cannot take it away.

Please view my step by step photos below to show you how to sow lettuce seeds in a tray.

How To Grow Lettuce in a Seed Tray – Video Slide-Show

Harvest Months: May to September. Harvest 4-7 weeks after sowing.

How to Harvest:
Cut the loose leaves with scissors at the base of the plant, level with the surface of the soil. The loose leaf lettuce will then eventually grow again. More seed can be sown in amongst the leaves for a continuous supply of lettuce.

Other Links in the GYO Vegetables Windowsill Challenge:

• Windowsill Challenge – How to Grow Radish in a Pot
• GYO Veg Windowsill Challenge – Hub Page contains all the posts in the series.
• Daily Updates on iGrowVeg @ Twitter