How to Grow Lettuce With Fluorescents

Among the various types of lettuce are those with different shapes, sizes and colors. From the familiar iceberg to more exotic leafs, such as the French red butter lettuce known as “Four Seasons,” the crunchy green vegetable is the base for most salads. Lettuce and other leafy greens grow well under fluorescent lights, either in your house or in a greenhouse.

Hook
Wire or cord
Fluorescent shop light(s)
Potting soil
Container
Plant saucer
Table

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a growing location in your home or a greenhouse. If your lettuce receives some natural light in addition to the artificial light you provide, it will grow very well. Make sure the temperature in your indoor setup remains between 45 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Place a table in the area, close to a window if possible. Screw one hook into the ceiling above the table for the fluorescent shop light. Allow 2 to 3 feet between hooks where your lights will hang if you plan to grow more lettuce than one hanging light will service. Attach wire or cord to the ends of each light to allow you to raise them as your lettuce grows taller.
- 3
  Fill containers that have drainage holes with standard potting soil. Then plant lettuce seeds in the containers, following seed packet instructions for the correct depth and spacing. Water until the water drains out the hole.
- 4
  Set your seeded lettuce container(s) on a saucer on the table below your hanging light. Lower the light to hang no more than 4 inches above the soil surface. Leave each fluorescent light on for 12 to 16 hours each day.
- 5
  Raise your light or lights to a height of no more than 4 inches above the tops of your lettuce plants as they grow taller.

How to Grow Philodendron Vines in Water

How to Get Rid of Black Flies on Indoor Plants

Indoor Growing