When to plant Lettuce in Washington County, KS
Washington County's climate puts the Lettuce spring window between April 7 and April 28. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Washington County, KS
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.
Washington County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 562 feet, Washington County receives approximately 26.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Washington County, KS
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Aug 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
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
176 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, KS?
Washington County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, KS?
Washington County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Lettuce in Washington County, KS?
In Washington County, KS, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, KS for Lettuce?
Washington 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 Washington County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 14.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.