When to plant Lettuce in Sangamon County, IL
In Sangamon County, plant Lettuce in spring between April 1 and April 22, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Sangamon County's last frost averages April 15, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 8 and August 22 — roughly 30–60 days before the first frost on October 17.
When to Plant Lettuce in Sangamon 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.
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Sangamon County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Sangamon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Sangamon County, IL
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 – Jul 29 |
| 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 | 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Sangamon County
Growing Tips for Sangamon 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 Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sangamon County, IL?
Sangamon County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Lettuce in Sangamon County, IL?
In Sangamon County, IL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sangamon County, IL for Lettuce?
Sangamon 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 Sangamon County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Sangamon County's temperate climate. Sangamon County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.
Your Sangamon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sangamon 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.