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When to plant Lettuce in Covington County, AL

Plant Lettuce in Covington County from March 6 to March 27 in spring. Covington County sits in USDA Zone 8b, with last frost around March 20 and first frost on November 11. A second sowing from September 2 to September 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Covington County, AL

Lettuce

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.

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 392 feet, Covington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Lettuce may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lettuce, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.

Covington County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Covington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Covington County, AL

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Direct Sow March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 27
Harvest April 24 Apr 24 – Jul 3
Fall Sowing September 2 Sep 2 – Sep 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors 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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

236 days in Covington County

Growing Tips for Covington 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 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 35°F, under 45% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce in Covington County, AL?

Covington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Covington County, AL?

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.

When should I plant Lettuce in Covington County, AL?

In Covington County, AL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 20) and before the first frost (around November 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Covington County, AL for Lettuce?

Covington County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Covington County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Covington County's temperate climate. Covington County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 20 and first frost around November 11.

🌱

Your Covington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Covington County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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