Want to grow crisp, fresh lettuce in your urban space? The size of your planter box is key to a decent harvest. For a continuous supply, a planter that is at least 24 to 36 inches (60-90 cm) in length is a great starting point. This allows you to grow multiple plants with proper spacing.
Lettuce roots are shallow, so depth is less critical than length and width. A box 6-8 inches deep is sufficient. Focus on surface area. For leaf lettuce, space plants about 4 inches apart. For larger heads like romaine, allow 8-10 inches. A 36-inch box can comfortably host 5-6 romaine plants or 8-9 leaf lettuce plants.
Success hinges on a few simple practices: choose a sunny spot (4-6 hours of sun), ensure excellent drainage in your box, water consistently to keep soil moist, and practice "cut-and-come-again" harvesting with leaf varieties to extend your yield. Start with a 2-3 foot planter, and you'll be enjoying homegrown salads in no time.