When to Plant Lettuce in Harney County, OR
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.
Harney County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 81 days.
At an elevation of 679 feet, Harney County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Harney County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 — Harney County, OR
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Direct Sow | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 24 |
| Fall Sowing | June 28 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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
81 days
Growing Tips for Harney 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 Harney County, OR?
Harney County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 17. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harney County, OR?
Harney County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 17 and first fall frost is September 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Harney County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.