🥬 Lettuce Growing Guide (Beginner-Friendly) — Bay Area

Why grow lettuce here?

Cool nights, foggy mornings, and mild winters make the Bay Area ideal for lettuce almost year-round. Many coastal spots get natural humidity and gentle sun, which keeps leaves tender and slows bolting.

Quick facts

• Best seasons: Late summer–fall, winter, early spring (cool months)

• Sun: 4–6 hrs of gentle sun; afternoon shade in warmer areas

• Soil: Rich, fluffy, drains well; lots of compost

• Water: Keep evenly moist; avoid soggy roots

• Days to harvest: 30–60 (variety dependent)

When to plant (Bay Area microclimates)

• Coastal / Fog Belt: Can grow nearly year-round; avoid rare hot spells. Summer sowings do best in partial shade.

• Inland / Warmer Valleys: Best from late Aug–May. In warm months, choose heat-tolerant types and give afternoon shade.

• Windy / Exposed spots: Use low tunnels or windbreaks to reduce stress and tip burn.

What to grow

• Leaf lettuces (Green/Red Salad Bowl, Black Seeded Simpson) — fast, forgiving, great for cut-and-come-again.

• Butter/Bibb (Tom Thumb, Buttercrunch) — soft, sweet, compact heads.

• Romaine — crisp, upright; choose “mini” types for tighter spaces.

• Mixes — mesclun or baby-leaf blends for quick salads.

Soil prep

1. Loosen 8–10” of soil and mix in 1–2” of compost.

2. Target pH ~6.2–6.8 (don’t stress—compost usually nudges this right).

3. Rake smooth; remove clods so seeds make good contact.

Planting

• Direct sow: Scatter or line-sow ¼” deep. Thin to 6–8” for leaf types; 8–10” for heads.

• Transplants: Space 8–10”. Water in well. Plant a few every 2 weeks for continuous harvests.

Water & feeding

• Keep moisture steady (mulch helps). Avoid “feast-or-famine” watering to reduce bitterness.

• Side-dress with a gentle organic fertilizer after the first harvest, or feed with diluted fish/seaweed every 2–3 weeks.

Pests & problems (quick fixes)

• Slugs/snails: Hand pick at dusk, use copper tape or iron phosphate bait; keep mulch thin.

• Aphids: Blast with water, encourage ladybugs; prune overcrowded growth.

• Tip burn / bitter leaves: Provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture.

• Bolting: Grow spring/fall; switch to baby-leaf harvests in heat.

Harvest

• Baby leaves: Cut when 4–6” tall; leave crowns to regrow.

• Heads: Cut at the base when firm and full; harvest in the cool of morning.

• Hydro-cool in a bowl of cold water; spin or pat dry. Store wrapped in the fridge.

🤖 GrowBot tip: Foggy mornings are free humidity! If your garden sits in the fog belt, you can often water a little less—just keep soil evenly moist.

Microclimate notes

• Coast: Morning fog = happy lettuce. Choose butter and leaf types all year.

• Peninsula / South Bay: Aim for fall–spring. Use shade cloth (30–40%) in warm snaps.

• East/North Bay inland: Prioritize fall and early spring; choose heat-tolerant romaines if pushing into late spring.

FAQ

Is summer lettuce possible? Yes on the coast. Inland, switch to baby greens, provide shade, and water steadily.

Can I grow in containers? Absolutely—choose a 6–8” deep pot, use quality potting mix, and keep moisture consistent.