When to plant Lettuce in Bonner County, ID
In Zone 6b (Bonner County), direct-sow Lettuce between April 21 and May 12 for spring, after the May 5 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Bonner County, ID
Bonner County, Idaho gardeners: here's your June plan
Each item below is timed to Bonner County, Idaho's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Indoor seed-starting week for lettuce
These need a head start before your last frost (May 5). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Collect lettuce at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 7,480 feet, Bonner County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lettuce successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Bonner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
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 Bonner County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.2) is more alkaline than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bonner County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Lettuce Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 1.5" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3" | 0.9" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.1" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3" | 1.2" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.1" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.1" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bonner 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 — Bonner County, ID
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
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 | 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Bonner County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Bonner County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after May 05 in Bonner County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 151.0-day season in Bonner 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 Bonner 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 Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Lettuce in Bonner County, ID?
In Bonner County, ID, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bonner County, ID for Lettuce?
Bonner County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Bonner County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Bonner County's temperate climate. Bonner County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 3.
Your Bonner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bonner County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.