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When to plant Lettuce in Pope County, AR

Lettuce planted in Pope County between March 14 and April 4 matures in 30–60 days — well before the November 1 first frost. A second sowing from August 23 to September 6 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Pope County, AR

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.

Pope County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 413 feet, Pope County receives approximately 52.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.

Pope County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
218 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Pope County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Pope County, AR

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 – Apr 4
Harvest May 2 May 2 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

218 days in Pope County

Growing Tips for Pope 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 Pope County, AR?

Pope County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pope County, AR?

Pope County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 1.

When should I plant Lettuce in Pope County, AR?

In Pope County, AR, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pope County, AR for Lettuce?

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

Can Lettuce grow in Pope County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Pope County's temperate climate. Pope County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 1.

🌱

Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free

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

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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