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When to plant Lettuce in Big Stone County, MN

Plant Lettuce in Big Stone County from April 25 to May 16 in spring. Big Stone County sits in USDA Zone 4b, with last frost around May 2 and first frost on October 4. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lettuce in Big Stone County, MN

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.

Big Stone County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 823 feet, Big Stone County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.

Big Stone County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Big Stone County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Big Stone County, MN

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Aug 15
Fall Sowing July 12 Jul 12 – Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June 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 4b

📆 Growing Season

155 days in Big Stone County

Growing Tips for Big Stone 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 Big Stone County, MN?

Big Stone County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Big Stone County, MN?

Big Stone County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 4.

When should I plant Lettuce in Big Stone County, MN?

In Big Stone County, MN, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Big Stone County, MN for Lettuce?

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

Can Lettuce grow in Big Stone County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Big Stone County's temperate climate. Big Stone County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 4.

🌱

Your Big Stone County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Big Stone County (Zone 4b). 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 Big Stone County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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