When to plant Lettuce in Edgar County, IL
For Lettuce in Edgar County, the safe spring window opens around April 4 and closes around April 25. Last expected frost is April 18, first fall frost October 17, giving a 182-day growing season. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Edgar County, IL
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.
Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 1,272 feet, Edgar County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Edgar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edgar County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Edgar County, IL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Aug 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Edgar County
Growing Tips for Edgar 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
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 Edgar County, IL?
Edgar County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edgar County, IL?
Edgar County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Lettuce in Edgar County, IL?
In Edgar County, IL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Edgar County, IL for Lettuce?
Edgar County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Edgar County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Edgar County's temperate climate. Edgar County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.
Your Edgar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edgar County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.