When to plant Lettuce in Montgomery County, IA
In Zone 5b (Montgomery County), direct-sow Lettuce between April 12 and May 3 for spring, after the April 26 last-frost mark. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Montgomery County, IA
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.
Montgomery County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,271 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 31.4 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.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Montgomery County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Montgomery County, IA
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IA?
Montgomery County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, IA?
Montgomery County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Lettuce in Montgomery County, IA?
In Montgomery County, IA, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Montgomery County, IA for Lettuce?
Montgomery County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Montgomery County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Montgomery County's temperate climate. Montgomery County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 7.
Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Montgomery County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.