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Feb 11, 2012 2:57 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Juli
Ohio (Zone 6a)
Region: United States of America Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener Daylilies Garden Photography Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Birds Hummingbirder Butterflies Dog Lover Cat Lover Garden Ideas: Master Level
I have always grown my lettuce in the ground. I buy a mix from Pinetree Gardens, and cut it way before the head stage. The last few years, we have harvested very little because it is to difficult for us.

I have a nice deck with a southern exposure, with a screen porch that could block late afternoon sun. I am thinking of getting some long, narrow planter boxes to line the deck so that I can plant the lettuce in them.

This would put the lettuce up at least a foot - maybe more, making harvesting and caring for it so much easier - plus no dragging the hose around the house to water.

Is there anything special I need to look for in containers or potting medium? I thought I would just mix potting soil with my compost. Put layer of rock in the bottom over top some old window screen to keep dirt from going out the drainage holes.

I have grown flowers in containers, but never lettuce.

Might want to try some turnips, radishes, carrots too...

Thanks
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Last edited by daylily Feb 12, 2012 12:32 AM Icon for preview
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Feb 11, 2012 11:05 PM CST
Name: Sandy B.
Ford River Twp, Michigan UP (Zone 4b)
(Zone 4b-maybe 5a)
Charter ATP Member Bee Lover Butterflies Birds I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Seed Starter Vegetable Grower Greenhouse Region: United States of America Region: Michigan Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Juli, some of the nicest lettuce I've ever grown has been in self-watering flower boxes (from Gardeners' Supply - although I'm sure others would do just as well), using Miracle Grow potting soil. I find in hot weather it likes some protection from the hot sun so your porch blocking the afternoon sun would be a plus. If you have a railing on your deck you might be able to hang them from that and they would be at a very convenient level for you, and if necessary you could throw some Reemay or whatever over for a little more shade in the hot weather. Radishes would probably do fine in this type of planter too, but carrots and turnips would probably need something deeper. Happy gardening!
“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight." ~ Albert Schweitzer
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Feb 12, 2012 12:33 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Juli
Ohio (Zone 6a)
Region: United States of America Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener Daylilies Garden Photography Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Birds Hummingbirder Butterflies Dog Lover Cat Lover Garden Ideas: Master Level
Thanks, Sandy. I did not think of putting them on the railing. That would be even better. Thanks for that suggestion!
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Feb 12, 2012 12:37 AM CST
Name: Sandy B.
Ford River Twp, Michigan UP (Zone 4b)
(Zone 4b-maybe 5a)
Charter ATP Member Bee Lover Butterflies Birds I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Seed Starter Vegetable Grower Greenhouse Region: United States of America Region: Michigan Enjoys or suffers cold winters
You are more than welcome! I tip my hat to you.
“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight." ~ Albert Schweitzer
C/F temp conversion
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Feb 12, 2012 5:58 AM CST
Name: Karen
Valencia, Pa (Zone 6a)
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Cut Flowers Winter Sowing Charter ATP Member Seed Starter Echinacea
Plant and/or Seed Trader Region: Ohio Region: United States of America Butterflies Hummingbirder Celebrating Gardening: 2015
Juli, a truly elevated garden sounds like just the thing for you. Gardener's Supply has several types, but they're not cheap. If you have some handy person around you could probably have it built it a lot cheaper. (Sounds like a good project for Ric and Robyn)....

See some of these for ideas. They have excellent user reviews
http://www.gardeners.com/Stand...
http://www.gardeners.com/Eleva...

Karen
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Feb 12, 2012 11:10 AM CST
Name: Bob
Vernon N.J. (Zone 6b)
Aquarium Plants Bookworm Snakes Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Heucheras
Echinacea Hellebores Dog Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Hostas Region: New Jersey
Juli they make containers with a large cutout that just sits on top of standard 2 x 4 railing.Or just hang from railings.
http://www.hooksandlattice.com...
I don't know this company just to show some pics. I got some at a good price on ebay last year. Do early season greens for summer you can do some herbs or flowers then some cold weather greens in the fall.
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Feb 13, 2012 6:02 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Juli
Ohio (Zone 6a)
Region: United States of America Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener Daylilies Garden Photography Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Birds Hummingbirder Butterflies Dog Lover Cat Lover Garden Ideas: Master Level
Thanks, Karen and Bob!

I have a good friend who likes to work with wood. Since I already have some long planter boxes, perhaps he can make something for me to stabilize them on top of the railing. If not, those brackets on Bob's link might work well.

If not, just being up the one foot or so of the height of the planter box will help. I can sit on my little rolling garden stool to work with the boxes.
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Feb 15, 2012 3:19 PM CST
Name: woofie
NE WA (Zone 5a)
Charter ATP Member Garden Procrastinator Greenhouse Dragonflies Plays in the sandbox I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
The WITWIT Badge I helped plan and beta test the plant database. Dog Lover Enjoys or suffers cold winters Container Gardener Seed Starter
Here are a couple of short carrots that might work in a container for you, Juli! I keep wanting to try those little round ones. Smiling
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-8...
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-8...
Confidence is that feeling you have right before you do something really stupid.
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Feb 15, 2012 4:24 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Juli
Ohio (Zone 6a)
Region: United States of America Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener Daylilies Garden Photography Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Birds Hummingbirder Butterflies Dog Lover Cat Lover Garden Ideas: Master Level
That is what I had in mind. I also liked growing turnips and harvesting when they are a little over an inch around. Yum!
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Feb 15, 2012 4:39 PM CST
Name: woofie
NE WA (Zone 5a)
Charter ATP Member Garden Procrastinator Greenhouse Dragonflies Plays in the sandbox I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
The WITWIT Badge I helped plan and beta test the plant database. Dog Lover Enjoys or suffers cold winters Container Gardener Seed Starter
Mmmmm, bet those are good! I haven't grown turnips in over 10 years. I'm the only one who likes them here. Wonder how long the seeds keep.......
Confidence is that feeling you have right before you do something really stupid.
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Feb 17, 2012 8:12 AM CST
Name: Jan
Hustisford, WI
I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Cat Lover Daylilies Dog Lover Irises Region: United States of America
Region: Wisconsin
I grew parsley & basil in a large 5 gallon bucket last year - in fact the parsley is still going strong in my garage. I have a coworker that buys a lettuce mix from one of the box stores every spring, and grows the lettuce in a half barrel along her driveway (she lives in a condo)

I think your lettuce & stuff should do just fine in the planter - and as already mentioned, the smaller carrots ought to love a potting mix or soil/compost mixture.

I think that many of us gardeners are finding raised gardening and/ or container gardening a very convenient way to grow veggies. What previously has been thought of as only for flowers - has expanded to include fruits & vegetables. Heck, if I can plop a tomato plant in my flower garden, I can stick veggies in a bucket!

I especially like that I can move things around as necessary. ~Jan
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Feb 17, 2012 10:29 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Juli
Ohio (Zone 6a)
Region: United States of America Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener Daylilies Garden Photography Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Birds Hummingbirder Butterflies Dog Lover Cat Lover Garden Ideas: Master Level
I used to grow annuals in all the planter boxes, but the last few years they have been expensive to get enough to fill the boxes nicely. So, I just put the boxes in the shed. Veggie seed is much less expensive!

I don't think that lettuce will need much depth. I have some boxes that are only about 8 inches deep. I might try some in those too.

I usually grow herbs in the two ceramic planters I have.
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Feb 17, 2012 10:31 AM CST
Name: Bob
Vernon N.J. (Zone 6b)
Aquarium Plants Bookworm Snakes Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Heucheras
Echinacea Hellebores Dog Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Hostas Region: New Jersey
Smaller trailing tomatoes like Tumbling Junior do very well in hanging baskets. And I grow Tomato Celebrity in 3 gallon pots on top of a bench at my mothers house with very good results.
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Feb 29, 2012 9:35 AM CST
Name: Kathy Phillips
Pearisburg, VA (Zone 7a)
Birds Butterflies Cat Lover Dog Lover Hummingbirder Roses
Plant and/or Seed Trader Vegetable Grower Region: Virginia
This idea is one I will be doing with strawberries & lettuce. I saw it in a magazine - get guttering and attach it to what ever you have - along the wood deck or as with me, we will attach rows of plastic, new guttering along the back side of our garage.

I will add some water crystals and a few drain holes and put 3 or 4 rows up. I'm sure you can find good, used guttering, but since our building is new I want to get new so it's nice and neat. Keeps bunnies away too.

Hope this helps
Kathy
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Feb 29, 2012 10:44 AM CST
Name: woofie
NE WA (Zone 5a)
Charter ATP Member Garden Procrastinator Greenhouse Dragonflies Plays in the sandbox I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
The WITWIT Badge I helped plan and beta test the plant database. Dog Lover Enjoys or suffers cold winters Container Gardener Seed Starter
I'd seen that idea, too! Unfortunately, the only wall I could attach to gets waaaaaay too hot for lettuce! But it's a neat idea. Smiling
Confidence is that feeling you have right before you do something really stupid.
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Feb 29, 2012 2:38 PM CST
Name: Bob
Vernon N.J. (Zone 6b)
Aquarium Plants Bookworm Snakes Charter ATP Member I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Heucheras
Echinacea Hellebores Dog Lover Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Hostas Region: New Jersey
That sounds like a clever idea, You should put it in Tips of the day.
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Apr 2, 2012 7:19 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Juli
Ohio (Zone 6a)
Region: United States of America Charter ATP Member Cottage Gardener Daylilies Garden Photography Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Birds Hummingbirder Butterflies Dog Lover Cat Lover Garden Ideas: Master Level
I did buy a few new, long planter boxes. Today, I filled them with soil and planted 3 of them with the lettuce mix. I have them on my deck railing. I still have several more to plant. I **thought** I had lettuce seed of various sorts left from last year, such as Dear Tongue, Red Sails, etc... but when I went to put the see in, all I had was Pinetree Gardens mix. So -- when I go to town, I will see if I can find some red and spotted lettuce to put in the remaining boxes, and perhaps some spinach.

It will be SO much easier to water and harvest in the boxes and not in the ground.

Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!
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Apr 3, 2012 5:51 PM CST
Name: Rick Corey
Everett WA 98204 (Zone 8a)
Sunset Zone 5. Koppen Csb. Eco 2f
Frugal Gardener Garden Procrastinator I helped beta test the first seed swap Plant and/or Seed Trader Seed Starter Region: Pacific Northwest
Photo Contest Winner: 2014 Avid Green Pages Reviewer Garden Ideas: Master Level Garden Sages I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! I helped plan and beta test the plant database.
A neighbor just told me that lettuce will grow well in shade. From reading and my own prejudice, I thought it needed "full sun" or "mostly sunny".

The spot being considered is between two buildings and also under two pine trees. It might get dappled sun briefly, a few times per day. The rest of them time, diffuse light or fairly shady. We do have a lot of clouds in this season, so "diffuse light" does mean "some light".

Do you think it is worth 3 cubic feet of soil, to try growing lettuce in a shady raised bed? I'm thinking of a bed with walls 48" x 16" x 8".

What kind of lettuce would be most shade tolerant - leaf lettuce, not heading?
I already have these varieties from trade, but no experience growing them:
"Marvielle of Four Seasons" - - 52 days
"Red Salad Bowl" - - - 50 days
"Black Seeded Simpson" - - - 45 days
'Bibb' - - - 50 days
'Grand Rapids' - - - 55-68 days
'Sunset' red leaf - - - 52 days
'Great Lakes' Lettuce
'Ruby' Lettuce
"Romaine" / "White Cos" - - - 75 days
'Iceberg' - - - 65-85 days
Corn Salad, Mache, Lamb's Lettuce - - - Valerianella locusta

What I have on hand is amended clay: amended with coffee grounds, composted manure, some crushed rock and pine bark mulch. I might buy and combine that with a bag of potting soil, more composted manure, or what-have-you.

That neighbor just offered to let me put a raised bed into that spot: I think it's in "her yard", but she thinks it's in "my yard". We live in a Manufactured Home park where we only rent the spaces, so it's almost a moot point. She has a big sunny backyard (big by park standards!) so she doesn't need the shady spot. I would share the letuce with her.

Are ANY vegetables or greens tolerant of part shade?
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Apr 3, 2012 6:34 PM CST
Name: Sandy B.
Ford River Twp, Michigan UP (Zone 4b)
(Zone 4b-maybe 5a)
Charter ATP Member Bee Lover Butterflies Birds I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database! Million Pollinator Garden Challenge
Seed Starter Vegetable Grower Greenhouse Region: United States of America Region: Michigan Enjoys or suffers cold winters
Rick, in my experience, in really HOT weather lettuce appreciates some shade. I like growing it in containers that I can move to a sunny spot or into some shade, as the weather dictates; it also stays much cleaner in the containers and less problems with bugs and slugs.

Not sure about this, but it seems that most plants that are supposed to be red, like the Ruby and other red-leaf lettuces, need pretty much full sun to "color up."

i was really surprised to find recently that I can grow nice lettuce under my fluorescent lights -- I start lots of plants that way, but right now I have some beautiful 'Winter Density" and "Black Seeded Simpson" growing that I started in February, I have pics on my camera that I'll put on the computer tomorrow and post here for you to see; next winter I am going to make MUCH better use of my lights !

I would take your neighbor up on her offer and make a nice raised bed there and share the lettuce - and maybe try some in your shady spot and see how it does !
“Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight." ~ Albert Schweitzer
C/F temp conversion
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Apr 3, 2012 6:46 PM CST
Name: woofie
NE WA (Zone 5a)
Charter ATP Member Garden Procrastinator Greenhouse Dragonflies Plays in the sandbox I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
The WITWIT Badge I helped plan and beta test the plant database. Dog Lover Enjoys or suffers cold winters Container Gardener Seed Starter
I've been growing lettuce and spinach in the coolest spot of my greenhouse since January, so I'd think a shady spot would do just fine. Lettuce won't even germinate over 75 deg and spinach would just as soon bolt as look at you. I've been growing Buttercrunch, Summer Crisp and Romaine along with a generic "Spinach" and we've been munching on it for a couple of weeks now. I thought lettuce wanted sun, too, but this is the first year I've had any I could actually eat!
Confidence is that feeling you have right before you do something really stupid.

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