[flag]

How to Use Lettuce in Companion Planting

jdds08 | Aug 28, 2009 | Views: 141 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0 You must be signed in to vote

E-mail

Lettuce can be used in companion planting in many ways. One reason to use it is to prolong the growing season of this cool weather crop, maybe it was planted later than it should have been?

Things You Will Need

Lettuce
Garden gloves
Garden hose
Garden Spade

Step 1 Plant lettuce with strawberries, cucumber, beans, carrots and beets for mutual benefits. Lettuce will receive needed shade from the glare of the sun. The beneficial insects these plants attract, such as predatory wasps and flies will assist in controlling destructive pests. The prickly vines of cucumber will help with slug control for lettuce in an organic garden. Other good companion plants for lettuce are onion, leek, chives and garlic. These will help increase disease resistance and pest deterrence.
Step 2 Plant lettuce with herbs such as lemon balm, mint, hyssop and sage to repel slugs. Anise, lovage and borage all increase the disease resistance of lettuce. Plant chervil with lettuce to organically promote its growth and flavor. Lettuce is one of few plans that gets along with Dill. The herb will provide shade and attract beneficial predatory insects.
Step 3 Plant marigold, geranium, petunia and nasturtium with lettuce. In companion planting techniques, these flowers deter pests both above and below ground such as root maggots, nematodes, aphids, slugs and a variety of leaf hoppers.
Step 4 Plant lettuce far away from cabbage as it will attract pests to lettuce and interfere with the growth and flavor of lettuce. Don't plant lettuce with celery or parsley in the organic garden because they will also attract damaging pests.

Put lettuce to good use in the organic garden and enjoy a prolonged growing season.

Tags: lettuce; plant lettuce; companion planting; organic gardening; companion plant;