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When to plant Lettuce in Rowan County, KY

In Rowan County, plant Lettuce in spring between April 2 and April 23, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Rowan County's last frost averages April 16, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 15 and August 29 — roughly 30–60 days before the first frost on October 24.

When to Plant Lettuce in Rowan County, KY

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.

Rowan 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 2,014 feet, Rowan County receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.

Rowan County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Rowan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rowan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Rowan 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

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

30–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Rowan County

Growing Tips for Rowan 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

  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Lettuce Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Self-Pollinating
How to Collect Let plants bolt and flower. Harvest seed heads when fluffy.
Storage Store airtight; viable 6 years at 35°F, under 45% humidity.

Very easy to save. Let a few plants bolt each season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lettuce in Rowan County, KY?

Rowan 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 Rowan County, KY?

Rowan 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 Rowan County, KY?

In Rowan County, KY, 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 Rowan County, KY for Lettuce?

Rowan 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 Rowan County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Rowan County's temperate climate. Rowan County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Rowan County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rowan 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Rowan County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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