About Lettuce

The classic first crop -- cut-and-come-again leaves in 3-5 weeks..

Difficulty

1 out of 3 -- a great first project.

Light

Give it full, direct sun for most of the day.

Practical Tips

Keep the nutrient solution around 65-70F; lettuce bolts in heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need pumps and timers?

A:

Not always -- passive systems like Kratky need none. Active systems (DWC, NFT) do.

Q: Is hydroponic food the same as normal fertiliser?

A:

No. Use a proper two-part A/B hydroponic nutrient; ordinary soil fertiliser will clog and unbalanced.

Q: Why are my leaves pale?

A:

Usually the pH is off, so roots cannot absorb the food. Test and correct to 5.5–6.5.

Q: Can I move a soil plant to water?

A:

Soft-stemmed types like pothos and lucky bamboo transition easily; most soil root balls do not.

Lettuce is a rewarding way to grow without soil. Start small with our hydroponics guide and the care schedule tool.