When to Plant Lettuce in Brown County, OH
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, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,146 feet, Brown County receives approximately 32 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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.
Soil Compatibility in Brown County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is within Lettuce's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Brown County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Lettuce will thrive.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lettuce
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Brown County, OH
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Brown County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after April 18 in Brown County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 189.0-day season in Brown County allows multiple plantings of Lettuce. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Lettuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Brown County
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
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, OH?
Brown County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, OH?
Brown County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Brown 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.