When to Plant Lettuce in Carbon County, UT
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.
Carbon County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 5,755 feet, Carbon County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lettuce successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Carbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
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 Carbon County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.3) is more alkaline than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Carbon County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 19.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Carbon County, UT
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
133 days in Carbon County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Carbon County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after May 17 in Carbon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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.
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 Carbon County, UT?
Carbon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carbon County, UT?
Carbon County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Carbon County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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