Hello,
When you say "Head lettuce" do you mean Iceberg? I have grown all kinds of lettuce including Romaine in containers with great results. You can really use "Dirt" in containers
If you want a quick solution then head on down to Lowe's and buy some "Potting Mix" or "Container mix" and have at it. That is what I did first, but now I mix my own or am starting to do so.
I use 18 gal. containers that I buy at Wally World. THey are about $4.00 each. I take #8 x 1/2" sheet metal screws and attach the lid and then cut then in half and drill draibnage holes and just full them up. You can grow 12 or so plants IF you cut 6 of them out at the baby stage. It works.
1eyedJack and the Dawg

Water water water. Water water water. You can do it... You can grow carrots too. I grew all kinds this year. I'll throw up a picture if i can get one in yet tonite.

1eyedJack, what is the purpose for attaching the lid to the container and cutting it in half?

Regarding the carrots - I read that a good container to grow them in is a milk crate lined with plastic. You can grow 24 carrots in this size container. I'm trying that this year. best of luck!

I grew iceberg lettuce in those window box type planters and it did very well.
Kathi

Thanks for all the input! I have already planted limited amount of carrots, iceberg, romaine, broccoli, and cauliflower in some containers so we'll see how they do! Sounds like I need to make sure and water them! ;)

Vabreeze,
When you cut them in half you have two containers. They are about 18 inches deep and lettuct does not need that kind of depth. 8 or 9 inches is plenty. I will be cutting some more soon and I will post photos of how I do it.
1eyedJack and the Dawg

Hi 1eyedJack,

I think I follow you now-- you cut the container in half and end up with two shorter (height-wise) containers and screw the lid on the one without a bottom to hold your potting medium, right? Look forward to seeing your 'how to' photos. If I understand your instructions, seems like those containers for storing sweaters that you can put under your bed would be the right height if you aren't that handy with the tools. :~D

vabreeze

It depends on what they are made of. Also, if they are clear you will have to paint them and for the life of me I can not remember why at this time of morning.LOL Get good heavy walled contains and they will last several seasons. Some of mine are going on their 3rd year. WalMart has a lot of different containers, but the 18 gal. ones that are Starlite or something that have worked well for me and they are cheap. Of course if you are using a lot of them like I do they do mount up. I will be going to raised beds soon as I am expanding, but right now I have 22 lettuce containers and am planning more. The end size has a foot print of about 16 x 24 + or -
Lettuce in contains is great IMHO. Lots less problems and the lettuce is extra clean since you are not using dirt.
1eyedJack and the Dawg

I grew romain in a styrofoam cooler (15" square, 6" deep). I kept them in the shade and fed them miracle grow once or twice. I planted a whole packet of seeds, had to thin a lot of them out. They did really well - earwigs liked them too.