When to plant Lettuce in Sumter County County,
In Sumter County County, plant Lettuce in spring between March 7 and March 28, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Sumter County County's last frost averages March 21, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 30 and September 13 — roughly 60 days before the first frost on November 8.
When to Plant Lettuce in Sumter County, AL
June to-do list for Sumter County, Alabama
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Sumter County, Alabama.
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Start harvesting lettuce
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: 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.
Sumter County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 335 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 56.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. 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.
Sumter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Lettuce 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 Sumter County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.2) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Sumter County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 Sep 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 30.
Lettuce Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lettuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sumter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Sumter County, AL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – Jul 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Sumter County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Sumter County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after March 21 in Sumter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Sumter County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Lettuce. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Sumter County reach 94°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 232.0-day season in Sumter County allows multiple plantings of Lettuce. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
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.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Sumter County
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.
Lettuce in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lettuce in Sumter County, AL?
Sumter County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumter County, AL?
Sumter County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 8.
When should I plant Lettuce in Sumter County, ?
In Sumter County, , plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 21) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumter County, for Lettuce?
Sumter 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 Sumter County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Sumter County's temperate climate. Sumter County averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 21 and first frost around November 8.
Your Sumter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumter 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.