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When to Plant Lettuce in San Augustine 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.

San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 146 feet, San Augustine County receives approximately 62.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Lettuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” 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.

San Augustine County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

San Augustine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 21 Transplant: Feb 25 🍅 Harvest: Apr 1 – Jun 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (151 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Apr 9 – Jun 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (141 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jul 15

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lettuce needs ~990 GDD — county provides 5,632 GDD Excellent fit

Lettuce Planting Timeline โ€” San Augustine County, TX

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 12
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 12
Fall Sowing September 7 Sep 7 โ€“ Sep 21
Harvest April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Jun 18

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

30โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for San Augustine 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

  • Celery

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Lettuce Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let plants bolt and flower. Harvest seed heads when fluffy.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35ยฐF, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce in San Augustine County, TX?

San Augustine County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is San Augustine County, TX?

San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help San Augustine County gardeners in Zone 8b 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for San Augustine County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.