When to plant Lettuce in Kodiak Island Borough County,
Aim to plant Lettuce in Kodiak Island Borough County on or after April 29; the window stays open through May 20. Kodiak Island Borough County's 139-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 21 to August 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Top priorities for Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska gardeners in June
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Get lettuce seeds going inside
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Collect lettuce at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: lettuce
- Fall sowing: 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.
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Kodiak Island Borough receives approximately 27.7 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.
Kodiak Island Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Kodiak Island Borough
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kodiak Island Borough is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) — Lettuce will thrive.
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 Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 21.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 1.4" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Kodiak Island Borough). 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 — Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Kodiak Island Borough
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Kodiak Island Borough
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after May 13 in Kodiak Island Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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.
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 Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Lettuce in Kodiak Island Borough County, ?
In Kodiak Island Borough County, , plant Lettuce after the last frost (around May 13) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kodiak Island Borough County, for Lettuce?
Kodiak Island Borough County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Kodiak Island Borough County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Kodiak Island Borough County's temperate climate. Kodiak Island Borough County averages a 139-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 13 and first frost around September 29.
Your Kodiak Island Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kodiak Island Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.