When to Plant Lettuce in Wayne County, NY
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.
Wayne County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 1,138 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Wayne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 — Wayne County, NY
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 5b
Growing Season
167 days
Growing Tips for Wayne 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 Wayne County, NY?
Wayne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wayne County, NY?
Wayne County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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