Lettuce is a versatile and comfortable - to - produce cool - time of year crop , and it is a popular addition to many Michigan gardens . understand when to plant boodle in Michigan requires an savvy of the state ’s USDA hardiness zones . This article will ply an in - deepness guide on when to set forth seeds , when to plant outdoors , and when to reap cabbage in Michigan ’s hardiness zones , which rate from 4b to 6b .
Understanding Michigan’s Hardiness Zones
Michigan is characterize by USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 6b :
Starting Lettuce Seeds Indoors
Starting lettuce seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing time of year , especially in cooler climates .
In Zone 4b , you’re able to begin start out seeds indoors around 4 to 6 week before the last expected spring frost , typically in former to mid - March . For Zones 5a and 5b , seeds can be started indoors slightly earlier , usually in former February to other March . In the warmer Zones 6a and 6b , you’re able to typically begin indoor seed starting in mid to recent February .
Plant the seminal fluid about 1/4 column inch late in a high-pitched - calibre seed starting mixture . Keep the stain consistently moist . Ideally , the temperature should be around 60 - 70 academic degree Fahrenheit ( 15 - 21 degrees Celsius ) . Once sprouted , provide the seedling with plenty of light .
When To Plant Lettuce In Michigan
transfer your seedling or sow your seed directly into your garden once the danger of a hard rime has pass , and soil temperature have warm .
In Zone 4b , this unremarkably means planting outdoors in previous April to other May . In Zones 5a and 5b , you’re able to typically commence outdoor planting somewhat earlier , commonly in mid to previous April . In the warm Zones 6a and 6b , outdoor planting can commence in early to mid - April .
pick out a garden orbit with full sunshine , but also some protection from the acute afternoon Sunday . Space your lettuce plants about 8 to 12 in apart . The soil should be keep consistently moist , and mulching can aid keep soil moisture and control condition grass .
Succession Planting
Succession planting with lolly involves sow small batches of seminal fluid at regular intervals to assure a continuous crop throughout the growing season . This method allow you to savor a unshakable supply of sassy lettuce without experience a excess or shortage all at once . Here ’s a step - by - footstep guide on how to do succession plant with lettuce :
By following this succession planting method , you’re able to savor a continuous supply of fresh bread throughout the farm time of year , assure a unshakable harvest of this luscious and nutritious leafy park .
When to Harvest Lettuce in Michigan
Lettuce can be glean at most stages of its ontogeny . For leaf lettuce , you may begin harvesting when the leave are large enough to eat , usually around 4 - 5 weeks after planting . you could either plunk case-by-case foliage from the plant or cut the intact plant at the base , which may encourage a 2nd growth .
For head lettuce variety like iceberg or romaine , harvest usually take place around 60 to 70 days after constitute when the heads are full and firm .
think back that as temperature rise , lettuce can abscond , or go to seminal fluid , which leave in blistering - taste leaves . To prevent this , glean your kale during the cooler part of the daylight and increase your harvesting frequency as temperatures come up .
