Blog

When to plant Lettuce in Pendleton, KY

Pendleton gardeners should plant Lettuce between March 27 and April 17 in spring. With Pendleton's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 10), Lettuce needs 30–60 days to mature — plant by August 27 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Pendleton, KY

Lettuce

Lettuce is a fast-growing cool-season green available in leaf, romaine, butterhead, and crisphead types. It is the foundation of salads and one of the easiest crops to grow.

Pendleton, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,436 feet, Henry County receives approximately 51.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Pendleton, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Pendleton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce

Lettuce needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lettuce Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Henry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Pendleton, KY

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest May 15 May 15 – Jul 24
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

30–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Henry County

Growing Tips for Pendleton

Sow seeds directly every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather to delay bolting. Harvest in the morning for crispest leaves.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Lettuce Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let plants bolt and flower. Harvest seed heads when fluffy.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.

When should I plant Lettuce in Pendleton, KY?

In Pendleton, KY, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pendleton, KY for Lettuce?

Pendleton sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Pendleton's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Pendleton's temperate climate. Pendleton averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Henry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Henry County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Henry County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.