When to Plant Lettuce in Morgan County, MO
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.
Morgan County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 624 feet, Morgan County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Morgan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Morgan County, MO
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jul 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
201 days
Growing Tips for Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO?
Morgan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morgan County, MO?
Morgan County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Morgan County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.