Blog

When to plant Lettuce in Aroostook County, ME

Aroostook County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Plant Lettuce between May 11 (after last frost on May 18) and June 1. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Aroostook County, ME

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.

Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.

At an elevation of 314 feet, Aroostook County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.

Aroostook County, ME (Zone 4a) Short season
129 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
129 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Aroostook County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Aroostook County, ME

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 – Jun 1
Direct Sow May 11 May 11 – Jun 1
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 – Aug 31
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

129 days in Aroostook County

Growing Tips for Aroostook 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 Aroostook County, ME?

Aroostook County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Aroostook County, ME?

Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 24.

When should I plant Lettuce in Aroostook County, ME?

In Aroostook County, ME, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Aroostook County, ME for Lettuce?

Aroostook County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Lettuce grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lettuce grow in Aroostook County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Aroostook County's temperate climate. Aroostook County averages a 129-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 24.

🌱

Your Aroostook County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Aroostook County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.