The Lettuce Pray Challenge Rules
Twelve pods. Twelve apostles. Five growers. One hydroponic unit.One family who takes this exactly as seriously as it deserves. Official rules — as written, approved, and enforced by Woody Grove, Commissioner
1. The Setup
The Lettuce Pray Challenge is a six-week family lettuce-growing competition contested on a single iDOO 12-pod hydroponic unit. All twelve pods share the same light, the same water, and the same nutrients. Every grower operates under identical conditions. Differences in performance reflect the plant — not the environment.
Twelve pods are named after the twelve apostles. Five growers each own two pods — one Black Seeded Simpson and one New Red Fire. Two pods are held in reserve by the Holy Family and are available as replacements if a grower's plant fails.
2. The Season
The season runs six weeks from the date the seeds are planted. Scoring is weekly. Final standings at the end of Week 6 determine playoff seeding.
| Period | Weeks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment | Weeks 1–2 | Preseason. Light scoring. Seeds germinating. Domes on. |
| Full Competition | Weeks 3–6 | Main scoring window. All metrics active. Stakes are real. |
| Survivor Round | Week 7 (optional) | Post-harvest resilience scoring. Optional extension. |
3. The Scoring
Each pod is scored once per week across five metrics using three photographs per pod — front, left, and right. The Scorer's verdict is final unless a Root Check Challenge is filed.
Each week's scoring produces one Apostle Card per pod — showing the five metrics, weekly total, season-to-date total, and a one-to-two sentence verdict. Cards are published every Tuesday.
4. The Root Check Challenge
Any grower who disputes the Official Scorer's assessment of one of their pods may file a Root Check Challenge. This is a re-review — not an appeal. The Scorer examines the challenged pod again with fresh eyes and issues a new score. The new score stands regardless of whether it is higher or lower than the original.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Challenges per season | 4 total per grower — 2 BSS, 2 NRF |
| Scope | One pod per challenge. That pod only. |
| Outcome | New score is final. No further challenge that week. |
| Timing | Must be filed before the following Tuesday's session. |
5. The Reserve Pods
Andrew (Pod 4, NRF) and John (Pod 5, BSS) are held in reserve by the Holy Family. They are not owned by any grower and do not count toward any grower's score. They exist for one purpose: replacement.
If a grower's plant fails completely — as determined by the Commissioner — that grower may claim the appropriate reserve pod. The grower's season-to-date score carries over. The replacement adds going forward. Reserve pods are scored each week for reference.
Andrew and John will not be needed. Probably.
6. The Playoffs
Final standings at the end of Week 6 determine playoff seeding. The top seed receives a first-round bye. The format is single-elimination.
7. The Commissioner
Woody Grove serves as Commissioner for the inaugural season. The Commissioner is responsible for weekly photography, score publication, rule interpretation, reserve pod assignments, and maintaining the official spreadsheet.
The Commissioner may not use his position to influence his own scores. The Commissioner drafted last both rounds. The spreadsheet has been updated to reflect this.
The Commissioner's rulings are final. The Commissioner acknowledges this is an imperfect arrangement. The Commissioner is doing his best.