Lettuce seeds are small, shallowly sown, and moisture-sensitive. They won’t sprout without water — but too much water can smother or displace them. The key to success is gentle, frequent watering that keeps the topsoil evenly damp without turning it to sludge.
What Lettuce Seeds Need
- Constant surface moisture until germination (7–10 days)
- Shallow soil wetting, since seeds are planted just 1/8 to ¼ inch deep
- Protection from crusting, which can block emerging sprouts
Best Watering Practices
- Use a fine spray nozzle, watering can, or mist bottle — no splashing!
- Water 2–3 times a day in dry or breezy conditions
- Keep the soil surface damp but not saturated
- Consider covering rows with shade cloth or burlap to reduce evaporation
- Once sprouted, reduce frequency but increase depth
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t pour water directly from a cup or hose — it can wash seeds away
- Don’t let soil dry out, even briefly — this can halt germination
- Don’t soak soil deeply at this stage — roots haven’t formed yet
Let AiFarming guide you: With weather-aware watering reminders and soil moisture tracking, AiFarming helps ensure you never over- or under-water — giving your lettuce the smoothest start possible.