Lettuce under tomatoes (spring)
PairLettuce / arugula with Tomatoes (young)
Early lettuce enjoys light shade from small tomato plants; remove or harvest lettuce before the tomato canopy closes and holds moisture on leaves overnight.
In the garden
- Choose loose-leaf types for quick turns; avoid tight heads touching soil splashed from tomatoes—mulch helps.
Spacing & timing
Plan lettuce finish by early summer in hot inland sites.
Caveats
- Late blight regions: tight lettuce under wet tomato canopies is risky—keep airflow and mulch.