When to plant Lettuce in McLeod County, MN
McLeod County's climate puts the Lettuce spring window between April 23 and May 14. be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lettuce in McLeod County, MN
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.
McLeod County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 1,011 feet, McLeod County receives approximately 36.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.
McLeod County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.3
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in McLeod County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lettuce Planting Timeline — McLeod County, MN
Lettuce Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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
157 days in McLeod County
Growing Tips for McLeod 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 McLeod County, MN?
McLeod County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McLeod County, MN?
McLeod County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Lettuce in McLeod County, MN?
In McLeod County, MN, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McLeod County, MN for Lettuce?
McLeod 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 McLeod County's climate?
Yes — Lettuce grows well in McLeod County's temperate climate. McLeod County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 4.
Your McLeod County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McLeod 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.