How often to plant?

felix 9/11/2011, 1:56 pm

Hi - I'm new to SFG and planning my first garden for next spring. One thing I don't understand is how often to plant things. For example, if I want to get a head of lettuce each week, do I need to start lettuce seeds once per week?
thanks

BackyardBirdGardner 9/11/2011, 4:35 pm

Kind of a tough question, felix. Welcome aboard the SFG forum train! It's good to add another member.

Have you thought about planting this fall? You still likely have time in New England for lettuces and spinaches. That could net you some serious experience heading into next spring.

Poke around and look for topics relating to "staggered harvests." Those will be most beneficial to you. However, nothing replaces experience. So, in my opinion, the quicker you get your experience with SFG started, the quicker you learn what is right for you....right for your climate.

I would start by planting a square of lettuce about every two weeks and adjust from there.

Hope to see more of you around.

Mamachibi 9/11/2011, 10:14 pm

Your mileage will definitely vary depending on the number of sun hours you can squeeze out of a day. If I wanted a head of lettuce every week, I'd start two seeds indoors every week. Chances are both might take, but I find I get a seriously good, strong plant for every two seeds I sow. I start everything indoors in vermiculite under lights and move them out when they have their first true leaves.

Another thing you can do for a good weekly harvest is plant several "cut and come again" style lettuces. Then you can cut as much as you want from several plants, and they have a while to put on new leaves again.

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How often to plant?

How often to plant?

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	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.