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When to plant Lettuce in Macoupin County, IL

Lettuce planted in Macoupin County between March 28 and April 18 matures in 30–60 days — well before the October 21 first frost. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Macoupin County, IL

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.

Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 859 feet, Macoupin County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.

Macoupin County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Macoupin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Macoupin County, IL

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Direct Sow March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 18
Harvest May 16 May 16 – Jul 25
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

193 days in Macoupin County

Growing Tips for Macoupin 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 Macoupin County, IL?

Macoupin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macoupin County, IL?

Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Lettuce in Macoupin County, IL?

In Macoupin County, IL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macoupin County, IL for Lettuce?

Macoupin 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 Macoupin County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Macoupin County's temperate climate. Macoupin County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Macoupin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macoupin 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.

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

Sources & credits

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