What vegetables should not be planted near lettuce?

Successfully growing lettuce involves companion planting methods broadly referred to as "neighbor selection". Broccoli and cabbage can steal nitrogen from the soil, depriving lettuce of this important nutrient needed to produce leaves. Parsley can also be problematic as it attracts aphids that collapse and leave its tender greens skeletal in appearance. With my experiments, I've observed that the heads of lettuce situated close to my sunflowers were about 40% shorter due to competition for sunlight.

Soil tests can uncover hidden conflicts. The pH meter showed that cabbage reduced the acidity of the soil to 6.8 - too high to grow lettuce even at the same time in a related family. Adding coffee grounds to the soil worked well to bring the pH balance back to the right level (1 cup per square foot/0.09m²). I also learned I need to rotate beds each annual season to address disease carryover from the brassicas.

Vertical gardening can remedy shading problems. I trellis peas on my north-facing lettuce beds to benefit from their 18" (45 cm) height and allow partial sun before blocking the light. Together, this provides 1.5 lbs (680 g) of lettuce and 2 lbs (900 g) of peas in a square bed of 4 sq ft (0.37 m²).

Trap Cropping identifies and directs pests efficiently. Insects will be attracted to the radish plants if they are planted at least 12 inches (30 cm) away from the lettuce. The radish plant will attract 80% of the pellets because the leaves will be spicy and deliciously edible! Remove any trap crops early to terminate the lives of the pests.

Read the full article: How to Grow Lettuce: Expert Tips for Every Gardener