Lettuce has become a versatile crop—not just for salads, but also as a decorative plant in garden beds, ground cover, or even along sidewalks. Whatever your reason for growing lettuce, choosing a raised garden bed is a smart move. It allows you to control soil conditions, improve drainage, and extend the growing season. Since lettuce thrives in cool temperatures, early spring is the perfect time to get started. 

Here's a practical guide to growing lettuce in your woodgrain raised bed, from ideal conditions to harvesting tips.

1. Growth Conditions for Lettuce in a Raised Bed

Spacing: Lettuce plants need 6–12 inches between them for proper air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but partial shade can help in hot weather to prevent bolting.

Heat Protection: In warm climates or during late spring and early summer, use shade cloth or row covers to shield lettuce from high temperatures.

Soil pH: Aim for a pH between 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Root Depth: Lettuce has shallow roots so deep planters are not a must but still needs quality soil.

Drainage: Raised beds are ideal because they provide excellent drainage, which helps prevent waterlogging.

Soil Amendments: Improve soil texture and fertility by adding organic matter like compost or coconut coir.

Soil Moisture and Temperature: Lettuce grows best in moist, cool soil with a temperature range of 50–70°F (10–21°C).

2. When to Plant, Sow, and Transplant Lettuce

Best Planting Time Outdoors: Plant lettuce in early spring, 2–4 weeks before the last frost date.
Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost for an early start.

Seed Starting Method: Use seed trays or a cold frame to create a stable environment for germination.

Transplanting Time: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 2–3 true leaves and the risk of frost has passed.

3. Direct Seeding vs. Transplanting Lettuce

Direct Sowing: Direct sowing is the most efficient method for growing loose-leaf lettuce, baby greens, and other fast-growing leafy varieties. This process involves planting lettuce seeds directly into the raised garden bed, typically 2–4 weeks before the last frost date in early spring. It also minimizes root disturbance and makes better use of available space for a steady supply of salad greens.

Transplanting Lettuce Seedlings: Transplanting is best reserved for slower-maturing types like romaine or head lettuce, especially when early spring temperatures are inconsistent. In this approach, seeds are first started indoors or in a cold frame about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Once the seedlings have developed 2 to 3 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, they should be gradually hardened off. After hardening off, the seedlings can be transplanted into the raised bed, where they will have the space and structure needed to continue growing into healthy, mature lettuce plants.

4. When and How to Harvest Lettuce

For loose-leaf lettuce varieties: Begin harvesting as early as 30 days after sowing. Pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to continue growing. This method, known as continual harvest, allows the plant to keep producing new leaves throughout the growing season.

For head lettuce: Such as iceberg or romaine, harvest typically occurs around 50–60 days after planting, once the head is firm and fully formed. To harvest, cut the entire head at the base using a clean, sharp knife. Be sure to harvest before the plant bolts in warmer weather to preserve flavor and texture.

5. Weather Warnings

Weather Warnings: Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can struggle in high temperatures. If the weather turns hot, especially in late spring or early summer, protect the lettuce plants with shade cloth or row covers to lower the temperature around the plants, prevent bolting (premature flowering), and extend the lettuce season for a bountiful harvest.

6. Common Pests and Diseases

Common Pests

Aphids: These small sap-sucking insects cluster on the underside of lettuce leaves and can spread plant diseases.

Slugs and Snails: Often found in moist environments, they chew large holes in lettuce leaves and hide in mulch or under the bed frame.

Cutworms: These pests can sever young lettuce plants at the base, especially during early spring.

Flea Beetles: Tiny black beetles that create small holes in leaves, especially damaging to baby greens.

Leaf Miners: Larvae that tunnel into leaves, leaving white, winding trails behind.

Common Diseases

Downy Mildew: This fungal disease appears as pale yellow spots on the upper leaf surface and white fuzz underneath.

Bottom Rot: Caused by Rhizoctonia, this fungal disease affects the base of mature plants, especially in poorly drained soil.

Powdery Mildew: White powdery growth that appears in dry, warm conditions with poor airflow.

Lettuce Mosaic Virus: Spread by aphids, this virus causes distorted leaves and stunted growth.

Final Thoughts

With proper spacing, good soil management, and timely sowing or transplanting, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting crisp, homegrown lettuce throughout the growing season! Whether you’re growing lettuce for fresh spring salads, to fill out your kitchen garden, or to explore different varieties for their texture and flavor, raised beds offer a reliable and productive growing environment.