When to plant Lettuce in Washington County, KY
In Zone 7a (Washington County), direct-sow Lettuce between March 25 and April 15 for spring, after the April 8 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in Washington 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.
Washington County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lettuce during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — Washington County, KY
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
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
204 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, KY?
Washington County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, KY?
Washington County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 29.
When should I plant Lettuce in Washington County, KY?
In Washington County, KY, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, KY for Lettuce?
Washington 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 Washington County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 29.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.