Bringing Back the Kitchen Garden, One Planter at a Time

As the founder of Rooted Garden, I’ve consulted with hundreds of new and experienced gardeners, designing all kinds of kitchen gardens – from large to small and everything in between. But one of my favorite projects has always been helping folks create their very own salad garden in a container.

You see, I firmly believe that growing your own food, no matter how small the scale, is one of the most rewarding and impactful things you can do. And when it comes to getting that fresh, garden-to-table experience, lettuce and other salad greens are the perfect place to start.

A few years back, I was just getting Rooted Garden off the ground and had this idea to offer DIY salad garden planters as holiday gifts. I literally pulled the lettuce and other greens straight from my own backyard, snapped a quick photo for Instagram, and voila – the perfect present for all my green-thumbed friends and family.

Why Grow Salad Greens in Containers?

The response was incredible. Not only did people love the cute, customized planters, but they were amazed at how easy it was to grow their own salad fixings, right on their patio or balcony. Even the most neglected of gardens would often bounce back the following season, with dormant lettuce seeds deciding to sprout again.

You see, lettuce and other salad greens are incredibly well-suited for container growing. They have shallow root systems, so you don’t need a massive planter to get a bountiful harvest. And with a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown greens all season long – without the hassle of dealing with pests or weeds that come with a full-blown veggie garden.

Plus, growing lettuce in containers is just so darn easy. As one of the cheapest and most prolific veggies you can grow, it’s the perfect gateway into the world of edible gardening. For the cost of a single packet of seeds (usually around $5), you can harvest the equivalent of 20 store-bought containers of lettuce. And the flavor? Oh, it blows those limp, slimy supermarket greens right out of the water.

Getting Started with a Salad Garden Container

So, are you ready to bring back the kitchen garden and start growing your own salad fixings? Here’s how to get started with your very own container-grown salad garden:

Choosing the Right Container

The first step is to select the perfect planter for your lettuce and greens. As Rooted Garden’s founder, I always recommend looking for containers that are at least 6 inches deep. Lettuce has shallow roots, so you don’t need a massive planter, but you do want enough depth to support healthy growth.

I love using natural materials like cedar, stainless steel, and terra cotta clay. Just make sure to look for containers that are food-grade and untreated, to ensure your organic greens are growing in the safest possible environment. And don’t forget to add a few drainage holes to the bottom – lettuce doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil.

Preparing the Soil

Once you’ve got your planter, it’s time to focus on the most critical element of container gardening: the soil. As my grandfather used to say, “Plant a 50-cent plant in a $5 hole.” In other words, skimp on the soil, and you’ll end up with disappointing results, no matter how high-quality your seeds or seedlings are.

I always recommend using an organic potting mix combined with plenty of nutrient-rich compost. Lettuce loves a slightly alkaline soil, so a sandy loam blend works great. Just be sure to fill the container nearly to the top, leaving a bit of room at the top for watering.

Sourcing Your Plants and Seeds

When it comes to your salad garden, the source of your plants and seeds really does matter. Whenever possible, try to source locally grown, organic, and even heirloom varieties. This will not only give you the best possible flavor, but it supports your local growers and helps reduce your food miles.

If you’re starting from seed, which I highly recommend, take the time to research the top lettuce and salad green varieties that will thrive in your climate and container setup. Some of my personal favorites include oakleaf, romaine, and butterhead lettuces, as well as spicy arugula, tender mustard greens, and nutrient-dense kale.

Planting and Caring for Your Salad Garden

Alright, you’ve got your container, your soil, and your seeds or seedlings – now it’s time to get planting! Start by using a dibber or even a simple chopstick to space your seeds about 3-4 inches apart, in rows that are 2-3 inches apart. Gently cover them with a light layer of compost, and give the whole thing a good watering.

From there, it’s all about providing your salad greens with the perfect growing conditions. Aim for at least 4 hours of direct sun per day, and be sure to keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy). I find it helpful to keep a watering can nearby, filled with rainwater, to make this easy.

And don’t be afraid to move your container around as needed, to provide that optimal balance of sun and shade. Lettuce, in particular, can be a bit finicky when it comes to heat, so you may need to give it a bit of afternoon relief during the dog days of summer.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Homegrown Salad

In just 3-4 weeks, you should start seeing those first tender leaves pop up, ready for harvest. The best part? Lettuce and many other salad greens are “cut-and-come-again” crops, meaning you can snip the outer leaves and they’ll just keep growing back.

Simply use a pair of sharp, clean scissors to harvest what you need, being careful not to disturb the delicate roots and seedlings. Always try to cut in the morning, when the leaves are at their crispest and most hydrated. And if you end up with more than you can eat fresh, you can easily wash and spin-dry the leaves, then store them in the fridge for up to a week.

As you start enjoying the fruits (or rather, leaves!) of your labor, I hope you’ll take a moment to revel in the joy of growing your own food. There’s truly nothing like walking outside, snipping a few leaves, and tossing together a just-harvested salad. It’s a feeling that never gets old, no matter how many times you do it.

Extending the Season and Succession Planting

Of course, one container is never enough for a true salad lover. That’s why I always recommend succession planting – sprinkling in new seeds every 2-3 weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.

You can also use simple season-extension techniques, like cold frames or mini greenhouses, to enjoy homegrown greens well into the fall and even winter. Just be sure to keep an eye on things and adjust watering and sun exposure as needed.

And remember, the joy of container gardening is that you can easily move your planters around, chasing the perfect growing conditions as the seasons change. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Before you know it, you’ll be the proud owner of a thriving, bountiful salad garden, right at your fingertips.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a container, gather your supplies, and let’s get growing! I can’t wait to see the beautiful, homegrown salads you create.