When to plant Lettuce in Clark County County,
Clark County County gardeners should plant Lettuce between April 2 and April 23 in spring. With Clark County County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 16), Lettuce needs 60 days to mature — plant by August 25 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Clark County, KY
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Clark County, Kentucky this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest lettuce as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: 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.
Clark County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 3,545 feet, Clark County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lettuce root diseases.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Lettuce Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Clark County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Lettuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clark County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lettuce.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lettuce.
How to Plant Lettuce
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lettuce
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Lettuce Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lettuce
Lettuce needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lettuce Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Clark County, KY
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
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
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Clark County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after April 16 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Clark County reach 91°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 191.0-day season in Clark County allows multiple plantings of Lettuce. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Lettuce in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Lettuce Varieties for Clark County
Bolt-resistant varieties for warm summers — grow as spring/fall crop
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 Clark County, KY?
Clark County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, KY?
Clark County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Lettuce in Clark County, ?
In Clark County, , plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clark County, for Lettuce?
Clark 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 Clark County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.
Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clark 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.