When to plant Lettuce in Nelson County, KY
Nelson County's spring Lettuce window runs March 23 through April 13. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Nelson 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.
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. 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 2,068 feet, Nelson County receives approximately 46.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Nelson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Nelson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Nelson 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
30–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Nelson County
Growing Tips for Nelson 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 Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County is in Zone 7a 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 Nelson County, KY?
Nelson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Lettuce in Nelson County, KY?
In Nelson County, KY, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Nelson County, KY for Lettuce?
Nelson 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 Nelson County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Nelson County's temperate climate. Nelson County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.
Your Nelson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nelson 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.