When to Plant Lettuce in McLean County, KY
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.
McLean County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 2,224 feet, McLean County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
McLean County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 McLean County
How your county's soil matches Lettuce's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Lettuce's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in McLean 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 (2.6%). 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 Sep 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Plant 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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in McLean 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 — McLean County, KY
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | May 11 | May 11 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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
208 days in McLean County
Growing Tips for Lettuce in McLean County
Direct sow Lettuce outdoors after April 06 in McLean County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 208.0-day season in McLean 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 McLean 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 McLean County, KY?
McLean County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McLean County, KY?
McLean County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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