When to Plant Lettuce in Baltimore County, MD
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.
Baltimore County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 641 feet, Baltimore County receives approximately 49.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Baltimore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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 — Baltimore County, MD
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jul 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors 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
217 days
Growing Tips for Baltimore 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 Baltimore County, MD?
Baltimore County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baltimore County, MD?
Baltimore County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Baltimore County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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