The temperatures are rising and it's still cool here in southeast Michigan, our temperatures are ranging from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to the upper 70's. Lettuce plants thrive and love growing in these early spring conditions.

Typically, at least here in Michigan, with the fear of frost, people hold off planting their lettuce along with their beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, and other vegetable and fruit plants outdoors until Memorial Day.

Realistically you can be harvesting and enjoying your lettuce harvest on Memorial weekend as you plant the rest of your garden's fruits and vegetables. You can start your lettuce seeds indoors at the beginning of March and be planting your seedlings at the end of March and early April. I will be planting my lettuce seeds directly into my garden soil this weekend. (Mid April) Lettuce can withstand cold temperatures down to the early 20’s Fahrenheit. Like some people, myself included, lettuce has a difficult time thriving in high heat and humidity.

If you plant in March, you may want to use a cold-weather box  to get started. Here in Michigan, we may get some of our heaviest snowstorms in March. Way up North - A Cold Weather box or may be appropriate. Ideally, look for the cold weather boxes with an auto-vent that adjust with the temperature to help prevent excessive heat. 

You can also cover your plants with a Floating Row Cover which is a light fabric. 

Lettuce has many health benefits, they vary, depending on which type of lettuce. Lettuce is one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide, often brings up bad memories about trying to lose weight and dieting. Lettuce can be a great source of nutrient-dense food and is low in calories, fat, and sodium. It is a good source of fiber, iron, folate, and vitamin C. Lettuce also has vitamin K which is good for our bones, and vitamin A which supports eye health. Lettuce also has a high % of water content which can help keep you hydrated.

Growing your own food naturally and organically helps cool the planet. It feels good, collectively we can make a significant impact in storing carbon in the soil which also supports a healthy and vibrant soil to help your plants thrive and produce the delicious and nutrient-dense food you are striving for.

Fundamentally, the more plants/vegetation and trees we plant the more we contribute cooling the planet's temperature by absorbing carbon into the soil and naturally supporting the earth's innate hydrological processes to lowering and maintaining a sustainable temperature for plants and humans alike to thrive.

To Your Exquisite Health and Growing
Terry