When to plant Lettuce in Green County, KY
In Zone 7a (Green County), direct-sow Lettuce between March 28 and April 18 for spring, after the April 11 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Green County, KY
June in Green County, Kentucky — your action list
June is a pivotal month for Green County, Kentucky gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Pick lettuce
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to 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.
Green County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 3,262 feet, Green County receives approximately 50.7 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.
Green County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Green County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Lettuce prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Green County is excellent for Lettuce — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Lettuce Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Green 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 — Green County, KY
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Green County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in Green County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after April 11 in Green County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Green County reach 91°F — grow Lettuce as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 198.0-day season in Green 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 Green 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 Green County, KY?
Green County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Green County, KY?
Green County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Lettuce in Green County, KY?
In Green County, KY, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Green County, KY for Lettuce?
Green County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lettuce grow in Green County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Green County's temperate climate. Green County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Green County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Green County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.