When to Plant Lettuce in Carroll 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.
Carroll County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 715 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 42.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 — Carroll County, MD
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 31 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors 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 6b
Growing Season
192 days
Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, MD?
Carroll County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, MD?
Carroll County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Carroll County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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