How to Grow Lettuce Indoors

Detective Le Plant has a plan for getting lettuce to grow indoors! Let's see if his plan works!

heavy-duty lock-type freezer bag (pint or quart size) lettuce seeds water potting soil

• Fill a plastic bag 3/4 of the way with good moist potting soil (a pot may also be used).

• Take a little pinch of seeds and sprinkle on the soil surface.

• Cover the seed lightly with soil.

• Water seed with light spray. Close the top of the bag, but leave one inch open. Set in a sunny window and get ready for that salad!

• When you see little green shoots, open the bag so that the plants have room to grow and can breathe.

Your plants need attention and care. That means you must water them properly and make sure your plants get enough light.

Tips on Growing Lettuce Indoors

• Ask your teacher or an adult family member to help you cut off the corners of the bag to allow for drainage.

• Fill the bag 3/4 of the way with moistened potting soil.

• Sprinkle seed on the surface. Don't use too much as plants will start to crowd.

• Lightly cover with soil. Only 1/8 inch is enough.

• Water lightly so all of the soil is moist and you get good seed-to-soil contact.

• Zip the bag closed leaving about one inch open to let air in.

• Write the date you planted the seed on the outside of the bag.

• Place the bag in a sunny window or under a grow light.

• When germination starts, open the bag. Keep it in a sunny location, and water as needed to keep it moist.

• Lettuce will grow fast in warm temperatures, but it is a lot better when grown under cooler conditions (65-70 degrees F).

• As plants start to get large and grow together, start cutting and using it in a salad.

Now, go on to learn about some activities you can do at home!