There’s nothing quite like the crunch of fresh-picked greens or the juicy pop of a sun-warmed tomato—especially when they come from your own backyard. If you’ve been dreaming of crisp, colorful salads and are ready to dig in, you’re in the right place.

At Nagel Glads, we’ve made it easier than ever to grow your own salad garden from seed with just three tried-and-true veggies: Romaine Ballon Lettuce, Marketmore 76 Cucumbers, and Cerise Cherry Tomatoes. This trio offers the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and freshness—and all three are easy to grow at home.

Whether you’ve got raised beds, a sunny patio, or just a few containers, this guide will help you go from seed to salad in a snap.

🥬 1. Romaine Ballon Lettuce – Crisp & Reliable

This isn’t your average romaine. Romaine Ballon Lettuce is a standout for its dense, crunchy heads and tender green leaves that hold up beautifully in salads. It’s fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and works great in the ground or in containers.

How to grow:

• Sow directly outdoors in early spring or late summer
• Prefers cooler weather (ideal for spring or fall crops)
• Keep soil moist for tender leaves
• Harvest outer leaves or cut entire heads at maturity

🌿 Pro tip: Sow a few seeds every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest!

🥒 2. Marketmore 76 Cucumber – Crunchy & Classic

A reliable garden staple, Marketmore 76 Cucumber produces long, dark-green cucumbers with a refreshing crunch and mild flavor. It’s resistant to common garden diseases and thrives with a little sunshine and support.

How to grow:

• Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost or sow directly once soil warms
• Provide a trellis or fence for vertical growth
• Harvest when cucumbers are about 6–8 inches long
• Pick regularly to encourage more fruit

🌿 Pro tip: Cucumbers love heat—choose the sunniest spot you’ve got!

🍅 3. Cerise Cherry Tomato – Sweet & Snackable

These glossy, ruby-red cherry tomatoes are bursting with flavor. Cerise Cherry Tomato is a prolific indeterminate variety that produces clusters of fruit perfect for salads, snacking, or tossing on the grill.

How to grow:

• Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Transplant outdoors after danger of frost is past
• Provide strong support (like a tomato cage or stake)
• Harvest when fruits are fully red and slightly soft to the touch

🌿 Pro tip: Pick regularly to keep the plant producing all season long.

🥗 Building Your Salad Garden

Creating a salad garden is easier than you think! Here’s a simple layout that works in a raised bed or large container:

• 🍅 Back row – Cherry Tomato (tallest, needs staking)
• 🥒 Middle row – Marketmore Cucumber (trellised or trailing)
• 🥬 Front row – Romaine Lettuce (compact, low-growing)

You can also grow them in individual pots:

• 🍅 Use a 5-gallon container for tomatoes
• 🥒 A deep pot or grow bag with a trellis for cucumbers
• 🥬 And a shallow, wide planter for lettuce

With just a few square feet and some sunshine, you can enjoy a constant supply of fresh ingredients—right outside your door.

🥄 From Garden to Table

Once your veggies are ready to harvest, the salad-making possibilities are endless. Mix chopped romaine with sliced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes, then add your favorite dressing or fresh herbs from the garden. Add grilled protein or a sprinkle of cheese for a full meal.