When to Plant Lettuce in Dillingham Census Area, AK
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.
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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 Dillingham Census Area
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Lettuce will thrive.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 2.3" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dillingham Census Area). 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 — Dillingham Census Area, AK
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 3a
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Dillingham Census Area
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Dillingham Census Area
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 Dillingham Census Area
Fast-maturing leaf and butterhead types
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 Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dillingham Census Area gardeners in Zone 3a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.