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When to plant Lettuce in Tazewell County, IL

In Zone 6a (Tazewell County), direct-sow Lettuce between April 5 and April 26 for spring, after the April 19 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Tazewell 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.

Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Tazewell County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.

Tazewell County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Tazewell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Tazewell County, IL

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 26
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Aug 2
Fall Sowing August 6 Aug 6 – Aug 20

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

179 days in Tazewell County

Growing Tips for Tazewell 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 Tazewell County, IL?

Tazewell County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tazewell County, IL?

Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.

When should I plant Lettuce in Tazewell County, IL?

In Tazewell County, IL, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tazewell County, IL for Lettuce?

Tazewell 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 Tazewell County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Tazewell County's temperate climate. Tazewell County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 15.

🌱

Your Tazewell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tazewell 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.

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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 Tazewell County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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