When to Plant Lettuce in Kimble County, TX
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.
Kimble County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.
At an elevation of 4,850 feet, Kimble County receives approximately 57.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Lettuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Kimble County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
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 Kimble County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.6) overlaps with Lettuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kimble County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lettuce.
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 Sep 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 01.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lettuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kimble County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Kimble County, TX
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
227 days in Kimble County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Kimble County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after March 28 in Kimble County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Kimble County reach 97°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 227.0-day season in Kimble 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 Kimble County
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Kimble County, TX?
Kimble County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kimble County, TX?
Kimble County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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