My iceberg lettuce too small

by Reham
(Cairo)

We planted icebergs seedlings in November 2011. The size of the iceberg did not grow to the required size. It was about 150-200 grams (maximum).
My neighbour reached 400-500 grams size.

We checked the fertilization program - we doubled the quantities and changed the form of Nitrogen as per recommended. Sizes did not move still.

We believe we did not really understand the cause of this problem. What possible causes can we check.

To share, 2 years ago we planted garlic in the same land but in a different area and we faced the similiar issue.

We planted tomatoes last year and we reached very good sizes.

I read some of the comments on similar problem on your site and started to suspect something to do with PH/TDS.

Our land is sandy and our source of water is "river-source"

Thank you.

Comments for My iceberg lettuce too small

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Mar 23, 2012

Under sized lettuce NEW
by: Kiwi George

Hi Reham, a sad saga indeed but unfortunately not an unusual one. The nearest I have been to your situation, ie, sandy soil was in Perth West Australia many years ago where I found magnificent gardens in predominantly sandy "soil". My queries to the Head Gardener showed that he was consistently adding "amendments" as he termed them which were mainly organic material to boost the water retention properties of the growing medium, and, a "witches brew" of chemicals based on the missing elements in the soil as proven by a soil analysis. He also mulched extensively to retain moisture. I also had a major problem in N.Z. where the land had been cleared of Gorse or Furze which had stripped the soil of many nutrients. A soil analysis and application of the corrective amendments shown to be deficient solved the problem and the garden thrived. If you do not have access to these soil analysis services may I suggest that you go the organic way and use as much compost and mulch as possible and let Mother Nature do her thing which will be slower that the chemical amendment route but, as a confirmed "Greenie" is my preferred way.Lime to correct the natural acidity of organic material may also be helpful.
Regards
Kiwi George

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