When to Plant Lettuce in Claiborne County, MS
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.
Claiborne County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 115 feet, Claiborne County receives approximately 55.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Lettuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Claiborne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 — Claiborne County, MS
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – Jun 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
246 days
Growing Tips for Claiborne 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
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Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Claiborne County, MS?
Claiborne County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Claiborne County, MS?
Claiborne County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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