When to Plant Lettuce in Polk 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.
Polk County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 264 days.
At an elevation of 292 feet, Polk County receives approximately 63 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Lettuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lettuce will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Polk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
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 Polk County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.6) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Polk County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lettuce will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 14.
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 11.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Polk 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 — Polk County, TX
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – Jun 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
264 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Polk County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after March 04 in Polk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Polk County dries quickly — mulch Lettuce with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Polk County reach 96°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 264.0-day season in Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk County, TX?
Polk County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Polk County, TX?
Polk County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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