Weeds also harbor insects and diseases, further reducing lettuce yield and quality.
Lettuce is normally direct seeded and is not very competitive with weeds. During the seedling stage its low, rosette growth habit allows weeds to grow over the top of lettuce and compete for light. Lettuce is sometimes transplanted into weed-free beds. Transplanted seedlings grow rapidly and are more competitive with newly emerged weed seedlings than direct-seeded lettuce. Monitor fields before planting and use this information to develop an integrated weed management program that efficiently utilizes suitable cultural and chemical control measures.