Growing Lettuce in a Container
I enjoy growing tomatoes and herbs in pots on my deck during the summer. The location is convenient and I have almost no problems with "critters" munching on my plants. I use 5 gal. pots - one for each tomato plant. I mix several herbs in one large pot. The wooden deck gets very hot sun in the afternoon. I wonder if I could also grow a mix of lettuces in one or more 5 gal. pots on the deck. Would a 5 gal pot be big enough for a Mesclun mix? Would it be too hot for lettuce in the full sun on the deck?
Lettuce, spinach and other greens do best in cool weather. Try planting these crops in early spring or late summer so they can be harvested during cooler weather. Extend the season by growing leafy crops in the shade of your tomatoes or herbs or furniture on the deck. These smaller crops do not need a 5 gallon pot. You can try growing these in a window box, 14 or 16 inch diameter pot or other similar container.
Related
Upcoming
Events & Webinars
Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens
Register here
March 21 & 28, 2026
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
More information
March 24, 2026
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater
Community Program
Racine, WI
More information
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
April 1, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Register here
April 9, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
April 11, 2026
A Day in the Garden
Fond du Lac, WI
Register here
April 18, 2026
3rd Annual Spring Rally
Oshkosh, WI
Register here
April 19, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
April 23, 2026
Iowa State University
More information
April 25, 2026
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 26, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 2, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
May 9, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 10, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 16, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 17, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 21, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Planting & Care of Your Rain Garden
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Tree Planting and Care
Register here
Sept. 12, 2026
Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Milwaukee, WI
Register here
Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More
Book an Appearance
Sign up for Melinda's free e-newsletter for a chance to win a Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide!
ENTER NOW
