When to Plant Lettuce in Brown County, NE
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.
Brown County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Brown County receives approximately 25.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
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 — Brown County, NE
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
150 days
Growing Tips for Brown 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 Brown County, NE?
Brown County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, NE?
Brown County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Brown County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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