When to Plant Lettuce in Hill County, MT
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.
Hill County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 5,229 feet, Hill County receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lettuce successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Hill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.1
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 — Hill County, MT
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Fall Sowing | July 1 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
132 days
Growing Tips for Hill 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 Hill County, MT?
Hill County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hill County, MT?
Hill County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hill County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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