2024 Lettuce: Easy to Grow, Quick to Bolt, and Loved by More Than Just Me!

Lettuce: Easy to Grow, Quick to Bolt, and Loved by More Than Just Me!

Lettuce is one of those super easy, almost foolproof vegetables to grow. I’ve always started with seedlings—it’s just so predictable that way—but maybe one day, I’ll try growing it from seed. For now, though, I like the reliability of seedlings straight into the garden.

The Trick to Lettuce: Warmth, Not Heat

Lettuce loves warmth but hates the heat. I always save a shadier section of my vegetable garden for lettuce, and with just the right amount of light, it grows like crazy.

But when the real summer heat kicks in, lettuce has a way of saying, “That’s enough, I’m outta here!”—by bolting. Suddenly, those lovely leaves send up tall stalks, eventually turning to seed.

To Bolt or Not to Bolt?

In the past, I’ve just let them bolt—not because I love bitter lettuce (which is exactly what you get once it bolts!), but because:

• The birds, bees, and butterflies in my garden love the seeds.

• It adds a cool, architectural look to the garden.

• Let’s be honest… birds, bees, and butterflies gotta eat too!

Final Thoughts? Lettuce Is Low Effort, High Reward

Whether you harvest it young and tender or let it bolt for the pollinators, lettuce is one of those effortless garden wins. Maybe next year, I’ll give growing from seed a try—but for now, I’m more than happy with my dependable little seedlings and their crazy, quick-growing ways! 🥬✨