When to Plant Lettuce in Mecklenburg County, VA
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.
Mecklenburg County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 725 feet, Mecklenburg County receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Mecklenburg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.6
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Mecklenburg County, VA
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
191 days
Growing Tips for Mecklenburg 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 Mecklenburg County, VA?
Mecklenburg County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mecklenburg County, VA?
Mecklenburg County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mecklenburg County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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