How hydroponic farming can reduce the cost of lettuce

Added on 25 February 2022

Tags

Leafy greens are some of the best plants to grow hydroponically, and lettuce is an excellent plant to start out growing hydroponically. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you grow your own lettuce to reduce the growing retail prices.

If you're a fan of salads and other leafy dishes, you may have noticed the rapid increase in the price of lettuce. If you're wondering: how much does lettuce cost? The answer might shock you. The price of lettuce has tripled in the past several months, leaving the average consumer to wonder why. The truth is, lettuce prices have been fluctuating up and down repeatedly over the past several years for various reasons. This article will discuss the reasons for the price hike and how to save money by growing lettuce indoors.

Why the Price Hikes?

The primary reason for the price change is climate-related. Summer heatwaves of increasing intensity bring the price of lettuce up each year, frustrating consumers around the globe. Lettuce plants are severely affected by heat. As temperatures rise, the leaves wilt and die, no longer meeting the quality standards for farmers, grocery stores, restaurants, or consumers. A particularly bad summer can send the price of lettuce skyrocketing, but so can a harsh winter. While lettuce is relatively frost-hardy, a harsh winter can slow harvest and make lettuce more expensive for consumers.

Recalls due to contaminants can also cause lettuce prices to increase. Lettuce can be contaminated just like any other produce, and it may be particularly susceptible due to its growing conditions. Likely you've heard of the outbreaks of E. Coli in romaine lettuce. Each time recalls occur, the prices of other lettuces go up as people seek to replace romaine lettuce. The next time a recall happens, there will likely be another increase in lettuce prices.

How to Grow Your Own Lettuce

Which Varieties Can You Grow?

You can grow any variety of lettuce hydroponically, but these are some of the best suited for easy growth:

Butterhead: A lettuce with bright green leaves and a sweet, buttery flavor.
Romaine: You likely love romaine for its long, dark leaves and crisp, sweet flavor.
Green and Red Oakleaf: Named for the shape of its leaves, oakleaf lettuces offer a delicate, tender leaf for salad mixes and sandwiches.
Arugula: The spiky leaves of this lettuce offer an earthy flavor with a peppery kick.

How Long Does Lettuce Take to Grow Hydroponically?

Almost all plants grow faster hydroponically than they do in soil-based farming methods. This is because the plant's light, nutrition, and water are all under your complete control. You can harvest butterhead and romaine lettuce in as early as three to four weeks, or sturdier lettuce like iceberg in six to eight weeks. In general, most hydroponic leafy greens offer 11-13 harvests per year with the right greenhouse conditions.