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When to plant Lettuce in Mower County, MN

In Mower County, plant Lettuce in spring between April 21 and May 12, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Mower County's last frost averages April 28, so be cautious and check the 10-day forecast before planting tender crops. For a fall crop, sow between July 15 and July 29 — roughly 30–60 days before the first frost on October 7.

When to Plant Lettuce in Mower 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.

Mower County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 577 feet, Mower County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lettuce to ensure they mature before fall.

Mower County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Mower County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lettuce Planting Timeline — Mower County, MN

Lettuce Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 17 Mar 17 – Mar 31
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Aug 11
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 – Jul 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 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

162 days in Mower County

Growing Tips for Mower 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 Mower County, MN?

Mower County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lettuce planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mower County, MN?

Mower County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Lettuce in Mower County, MN?

In Mower County, MN, plant Lettuce after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mower County, MN for Lettuce?

Mower 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 Mower County's climate?

Yes — Lettuce grows well in Mower County's temperate climate. Mower County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Mower County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mower 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 Mower County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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