When to Plant Lettuce in Winston County, AL
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.
Winston County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 281 feet, Winston County receives approximately 51.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lettuce, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Winston County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Winston County, AL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jul 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
218 days
Growing Tips for Winston County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Winston County, AL?
Winston County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Winston County, AL?
Winston County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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