When to Plant Lettuce in Southampton 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.
Southampton County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 809 feet, Southampton County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Southampton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Southampton County, VA
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 1 | Sep 1 – Sep 15 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jul 9 |
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 Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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
229 days
Growing Tips for Southampton 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 Southampton County, VA?
Southampton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Southampton County, VA?
Southampton County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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