When to Plant Lettuce in Effingham County, IL
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.
Effingham County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 953 feet, Effingham County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Effingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Effingham County, IL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
184 days
Growing Tips for Effingham 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 Effingham County, IL?
Effingham County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Effingham County, IL?
Effingham County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Effingham County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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