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When to plant Lettuce in Prairie County, AR

Plant Lettuce in Prairie County after March 19; the prime window is March 5–March 26. A second sowing from August 30 to September 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Prairie 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.

Prairie County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.

At an elevation of 1,026 feet, Prairie County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.

Prairie County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
234 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
234 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Prairie County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce

Lettuce needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lettuce Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Prairie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Prairie County, AR

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 2
Direct Sow March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 26
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 – Jul 2
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 – Sep 13

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 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

234 days in Prairie County

Growing Tips for Prairie 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 Prairie County, AR?

Prairie County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Prairie County, AR?

Prairie County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 8.

When should I plant Lettuce in Prairie County, AR?

In Prairie County, AR, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Prairie County, AR for Lettuce?

Prairie 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 Prairie County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Prairie County's temperate climate. Prairie County averages a 234-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 8.

🌱

Your Prairie County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Prairie 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 Prairie County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.