Harden transplants outdoors so they become acclimatized to the conditions under which they will be grown. Cos and leaf lettuce can also be transplanted for earlier harvest. We do not recommend planting head lettuce in Arkansas. Head lettuce must be transplanted and is susceptible to bacterial soft rots when exposed to frequent rains. With the use of cold frames and row covers, lettuce can be produced 10 months of the year.
Many gardeners use plastic-covered tunnels to protect their lettuce during the winter months.
Do not plant too deep because lettuce seed has a light requirement for germination. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart for leaf lettuce and 6 to 8 inches apart for Cos or butterhead. Removed seedlings may be transplanted or eaten. Back To Top Care Lettuce is shallow-rooted, so it should be hoed or cultivated carefully. Lettuce adapts to many types of soil as long as there is good drainage.